Inspiration / Spice Information

Most of the time when I use spices, I simply shake or spoon a bit out of my AllSpice jar and am on my way. However, some dishes (especially those from India) call for a bit more special preparation of the spices you are using. Preparing spices is usually not hard and can add additional layers of flavor to your dish. Below are several ways spices can be prepared: Roasting Indian recipes often call for whole spices, such as cumin and cardamom, to be roasted before using. Roasting spices is quite simple. The most common method is to put them...

Many Americans are surprised to find out that curry isn't a spice, but rather a blend of spices, chilies and other aromatics. And, the specific blend of spices can vary widely from culture to culture and cook to cook. The word curry dates from the 18th century and probably comes from the Indian word 'kari' meaning sauce. The sauces we now classify as curries, come from all over South Asia and vary widely in their composition. In 1889, at the Universal Paris Exposition, a 'Curry Decree' set the composition of curry as having specific amounts of tamarind, onion, coriander, chilli pepper,...

The difference between a high quality and low quality gin is profound. A high quality gin offers complex flavors that instantly send you to a lush Northern California hillside or an aromatic British seaside. Anchored by juniper, gin can include a multitude of botanicals. Some of the most common are: Angelica Coriander Bay Leaf Cardamom Citrus Cubeb Fennel Ginger Grains of Paradise Lavender Orris root Some of the newer gins are considered terroir gins and are designed to give the essence of the surrounding lands. My current favorite is St. George. They offer three styles, all of which, while unique,...

Nothing signals fall like the warm, sweet smell of cinnamon. Cinnamon is at home in dishes as varied as apple pie and chicken bastilla.  Its spicy notes blend beautifully with sweet or savory. Many people would be surprised to learn that there are several varieties of cinnamon. Choosing the right one is easy if you know the basics. There are two main varieties of cinnamon, Ceylon and Cassia. Cassia can also be further broken down into Korintje, Vietnamese and Chinese Cassia.  Ceylon Also known as 'true cinnamon,' Mexican cinnamon, or canella, ceylon is not readily available in American grocery stores. It...

As we enter the holiday season, our homes become filled with the scents of baking and cooking for family celebrations. On those days that you are not cooking for a big family get together, you can still fill your house with lovely scents from your AllSpice rack. Simply boil a pan of water, add spices and perhaps a few fruits, turn it down to a simmer and continue to add water as the water boils out.  Be creative with the spices and fruits you use! There are lots of options. To get you started, here are a few suggestions (for...