Spice Up Your Life: A Guide to Cooking with Spices and Herbs

There's a magical world waiting to be explored in your kitchen, and it's filled with an array of aromatic spices and fragrant herbs. 

If your cooking routine feels a bit lacklustre, it might be time to shake things up and add some zest to your dishes?

How? Try incorporating spices and herbs into your culinary creations not only elevates the flavour profile but also introduces a plethora of health benefits. So, let's embark on a journey to spice up your life!

Understanding Spices and Herbs

Spices and herbs are nature's gift to the culinary world. While the terms are often used interchangeably, there is a distinction between the two.

Spices are derived from the seeds, bark, roots, or fruits of various plants. Common spices include cinnamon, cumin, turmeric, and paprika. These potent flavour enhancers often add depth, warmth, and complexity to dishes.

Herbs, on the other hand, come from the green, leafy parts of plants and are typically used fresh or dried. Basil, parsley, thyme, and rosemary are among the most popular herbs, lending a burst of freshness and aroma to recipes.

Enhancing Flavour and Aroma

One of the most compelling reasons to incorporate spices and herbs into your cooking is the flavour they impart. Each spice and herb brings its own unique taste profile to the table, allowing you to create an endless variety of dishes.

Experimentation is key when it comes to using spices and herbs. Don't be afraid to mix and match different flavours to discover exciting new combinations. Whether you're adding a pinch of cinnamon to your morning oatmeal or sprinkling fresh cilantro over a spicy curry, the possibilities are endless.

Health Benefits

Beyond their culinary appeal, spices and herbs boast an impressive array of health benefits. Many spices, such as turmeric and ginger, possess anti-inflammatory properties, while others, like cinnamon, may help regulate blood sugar levels. Herbs like basil and parsley are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, contributing to overall wellness.

By incorporating spices and herbs into your meals, you not only enhance the taste but also boost the nutritional value of your dishes. It's a win-win situation for your taste buds and your health!

Tips for Cooking with Spices and Herbs

Start with Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavour, opt for fresh herbs whenever possible. If using dried spices, make sure they're not past their expiration date.

Toast Spices Before Using: Toasting spices in a dry pan before adding them to your dish can help unlock their full flavour potential.

Store Properly: Store spices and dried herbs in a cool, dark place to preserve their freshness and potency.

Don't Overdo It: While it's tempting to go overboard with spices and herbs, a little goes a long way. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.

Get Creative: Don't be afraid to think outside the box and experiment with unusual spice and herb combinations. You might just stumble upon a new favourite flavour profile.

In Conclusion

Spices and herbs are the secret ingredients that can take your cooking from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, incorporating these flavourful additions into your recipes is sure to spice up your life in more ways than one. So, don't be afraid to get adventurous and let your taste buds be your guide. Happy cooking!

Spice Up Your Life: A Guide to Cooking with Spices and Herbs

Perhaps you are new to cooking, or you are an experienced cook who wants to expand your cooking repertoire? If this is you, please read our feature on cooking with spices and herbs. 

Spices and herbs are the magical ingredients that can transform a bland dish into a culinary masterpiece. They not only add flavour but also depth, aroma, and even health benefits to your meals. 

Whether you're an experienced chef or just starting out in the kitchen, understanding how to utilise spices and herbs can take your cooking to the next level. 

In this guide, we'll explore the wonderful world of spices and herbs, their uses, and how to incorporate them into your cooking effortlessly.

Understanding Spices vs. Herbs:

Spices are derived from seeds, bark, roots, or fruits of plants and are often dried. Examples include cinnamon, cumin, and cloves.

Herbs, on the other hand, come from the leaves of plants and are usually used fresh. Examples include basil, parsley, and coriander, otherwise known as cilantro in the USA.

Both spices and herbs can be used to enhance flavour, but they each bring their own unique characteristics to a dish.

Building Your Spice Rack:

Start with the basics: salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.

Expand your collection with versatile spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder or curry powder, etc.

Experiment with more exotic spices such as saffron, cardamom, fenugreek, and star anise to add depth and complexity to your dishes.

Harnessing the Power of Herbs:

Keep a selection of fresh herbs on hand, such as basil, thyme, rosemary, and mint, for adding brightness and freshness to your meals.

Dried herbs can be a convenient alternative when fresh ones are not available. Just remember to adjust the quantity as dried herbs are more potent than fresh ones as they are concentrated.

Pairing Spices and Herbs with Foods:

Certain spices and herbs complement specific ingredients and cuisines. For example, cinnamon and nutmeg work well in sweet dishes, while cumin and coriander are staples in Mexican and Indian cuisines.

Experiment with different combinations to discover new flavour profiles. For instance, try adding a pinch of cinnamon to your chili or coriander to your roasted vegetables for a unique twist.

Techniques for Maximising Flavour:

Toasting whole spices before grinding releases their essential oils and enhances their flavour. Simply heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant, then grind using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.

Infuse oils or liquids with herbs by heating them gently over a low heat. This can be done by adding herbs to olive oil or broth and letting them steep for a few minutes before using.

Balancing Flavours:

Remember to balance the flavours in your dishes by combining spices and herbs with other ingredients like acid (lemon juice or vinegar), sweetness (honey or sugar), and salt.

Taste as you go and adjust seasoning accordingly to achieve the perfect balance of flavours.

Conclusion:

Spices and herbs are the secret weapons in every chef's arsenal, capable of elevating even the simplest of dishes to gourmet status. By understanding their unique characteristics, experimenting with different combinations, and mastering various techniques, you can unleash the full potential of spices and herbs in your cooking. So go ahead, spice up your life, and embark on a flavourful culinary journey!

Hot drink lovers, Just Spices has you (or your drinks) covered

Just Spices make a promise to home cooks all over the UK: They say they can help change the way you cook. 

How do they do this? By offering home cooks like you and us at That's Food and Drink a delicious range of spice blends, gift sets, starter packs and for those who are strapped for time (it happens to the best of us!) some organic pasta sauces and organic ready meals that you can cook in three minutes.

However, what That's Food and Drink is bringing to your attention is another absolutely beautiful idea from Just Spices, is Coffee Kiss which is perfectly delicious when mixed into coffee, sprinkled over a frothy cappuccino or added to a cosy cup of hot chocolate.

When you visit their website https://www.justspices.co.uk you'll most likely spend at least an hour checking out everything from spice for your oats, sandwich seasoning, vegetable seasoning, ground meat seasoning, herb dip seasoning, avocado topping and much more besides.  

Spice Up Your Life: A Journey through Exotic Spices and Their Culinary Uses

The world of culinary delights is a rich tapestry woven with the diverse flavors and aromas of spices. From the fiery kick of chili peppers to the warm embrace of cinnamon, spices have the power to transform ordinary dishes into extraordinary experiences. 

In this blog post, we embark on a flavourful journey through some of the most exotic spices, exploring their origins, unique characteristics, and the culinary wonders they create.

Saffron – The Golden Elixir:

Our journey begins with saffron, often referred to as the "king of spices." Saffron, derived from the crocus flower, is coveted for its vibrant color, distinct flavour, and aromatic essence. Originating from the Mediterranean and Middle East, saffron is a staple in Persian, Indian, and Spanish cuisines. Its delicate threads add an unparalleled richness to dishes like paella, biryani, and risotto, making it a true elixir of the culinary world.

Cardamom – The Queen of Spices:

As we move forward, we encounter cardamom, the "queen of spices." This fragrant pod, native to India, imparts a warm, citrusy aroma and a sweet, slightly spicy taste. Cardamom is a versatile spice, equally at home in both sweet and savory dishes. In Scandinavian cuisine, it elevates pastries and bread, while in Indian chai, it brings depth and complexity. Embrace the allure of cardamom to add a touch of royalty to your culinary creations.

Sumac – The Tangy Marvel:

Venturing into the Middle East, we discover sumac, a spice with a bright, tangy flavour. Extracted from the berries of the sumac plant, this crimson-hued powder is a common ingredient in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines. Sprinkle sumac on salads, grilled meats, or hummus for a zesty burst of citrusy goodness. Its unique taste profile is sure to awaken your taste buds and transport you to the bustling markets of the Levant.

Garam Masala – The Heart of Indian Cuisine:

No exploration of exotic spices would be complete without delving into the heart of Indian cuisine,– garam masala. A blend of aromatic spices like cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and cumin, garam masala adds depth, warmth, and complexity to Indian dishes. Whether used in curries, biryanis, or marinades, this spice blend is a celebration of the diverse flavours that define Indian cooking. Unleash the magic of garam masala to elevate your home-cooked Indian feasts.

Za'atar – The Middle Eastern Medley:

Our journey concludes with za'atar, a versatile Middle Eastern spice blend that captures the essence of the region. Comprising thyme, sesame seeds, sumac, and salt, za'atar lends a savoury, herbal note to dishes. Sprinkle it on flatbreads, grilled vegetables, or yogurt for a taste of the Levantine culinary tradition. Za'atar exemplifies the art of balance in spice blends, showcasing how a harmonious combination can elevate simple ingredients to extraordinary heights.

Embarking on a journey through exotic spices unveils a world of culinary wonders, where each spice tells a story of its origins, cultural significance, and the magic it brings to the kitchen. Whether you're experimenting with saffron in a paella or savoring the warmth of cardamom in chai, these spices invite you to spice up your life and embark on a flavorful adventure. 

So, dive into the vibrant world of exotic spices, and let your culinary creations be a testament to the richness and diversity they bring to the table.

Spicing Up Your Culinary Adventure: A Beginner's Guide to Essential Herbs and Spices

Embarking on your culinary journey is an exciting endeavor, and one of the keys to success in the kitchen is mastering the art of herbs and spices. These flavoruful additions can transform a simple dish into a culinary masterpiece. 

If you're a new cook looking to elevate your cooking game, let's dive into the basics of herbs and spices that will add depth, aroma, and complexity to your creations.

Basil: The King of Herbs:

Flavour Profile: Fresh and slightly peppery with a hint of sweetness.

Perfect Pairings: Tomatoes, pasta, salads, and Italian dishes.

Usage Tip: Add fresh basil at the end of cooking to preserve its vibrant flavor.

Rosemary: Aromatic and Robust:

Flavour Profile: Woody, pine-like, and slightly citrusy.

Perfect Pairings: Roasted meats, potatoes, bread, and Mediterranean cuisine.

Usage Tip: Use rosemary sparingly, as its flavor can be intense. It complements hearty dishes exceptionally well.

Coriander/Cilantro: Fresh and Zesty:

Flavour Profile: Citrusy, with a hint of earthiness.

Perfect Pairings: Mexican, Thai, and Indian dishes, salsas, and guacamole.

Usage Tip: Add chopped cilantro to dishes just before serving for a burst of fresh flavor.

Thyme: Versatile and Savoury:

Flavour Profile: Earthy, slightly sweet, and with a subtle lemony undertone.

Perfect Pairings: Roasted vegetables, poultry, soups, and stews.

Usage Tip: Strip the leaves from the stems before adding to dishes; thyme leaves are tiny and delicate.

Cumin: Warm and Spicy:

Flavour Profile: Earthy, warm, and slightly nutty.

Perfect Pairings: Mexican, Indian, Middle Eastern dishes, and spice blends.

Usage Tip: Toast cumin seeds in a dry pan before grinding for a more robust flavor.

Paprika: Sweet or Smoky Heat:

Flavour Profile: Mild, sweet, or smoky, depending on the variety.

Perfect Pairings: Chicken, fish, stews, and a variety of European and Mediterranean dishes.

Usage Tip: Sprinkle on finished dishes for a pop of colour and flavor.

Garlic: The Flavour MVP:

Flavour Profile: Pungent, savory, and slightly sweet.

Perfect Pairings: Almost everything – meats, vegetables, pasta, and more.

Usage Tip: Use fresh garlic for a stronger flavor, and sauté it briefly to mellow its intensity.

Cinnamon: Sweet and Warm:

Flavour Profile: Sweet, warm, and slightly spicy.

Perfect Pairings: Baked goods, desserts, oatmeal, and Middle Eastern dishes.

Usage Tip: Balance cinnamon with other spices for a well-rounded flavor in both sweet and savory dishes.

As you embark on your culinary journey, experimenting with these basic herbs and spices will open up a world of flavors and aromas. Don't be afraid to get creative and trust your palate. Over time, you'll develop your own signature spice blends and elevate your dishes to new heights. Happy cooking!

(Image courtesy of Matej Madar from Pixabay)

Launch of New Exclusive Sabrina Ghayour Spice Blends

Steenbergs, the leading sustainable spice company, is delighted to announce it's teamed up with award-winning Middle Eastern chef Sabrina Ghayour to produce three unique spice blends to complement her delicious recipes and add a little Middle Eastern magic into your everyday cooking.

The launch of the new spice blends coordinates nicely with the publication of Sabrina’s seventh cookbook, FLAVOUR, which is published by Aster on October 12th. It's a brand-new collection of simple, delicious, crowd-pleasing recipes which can be tailored to suit all tastes and budgets.

“Flavour is such an important element of my cooking. No matter what food I make, or where or what I eat, taste is everything. To me, flavour is comfort, satisfaction and even nostalgia, but importantly, it never has to be complicated, heavy-handed or extreme. Life is too short to eat bland food; sometimes a little seasoning, a flourish of herbs or a squeeze of lemon or drizzle of honey is all it takes to really elevate an otherwise simple dish into something that suddenly bursts with big, bold flavour” said Sabrina Ghayour.

The three new spice blends encapsulate Sabrina’s passion for flavour. They are exclusive to Steenbergs and are all carefully hand blended to Sabrina’s own recipes.

Flavour Blend is a mix of cumin, coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, lime powder and cracked black pepper. “This earthy blend of spices is simply perfect for roasted meats, root vegetables and squashes,” says Sabrina, “and not forgetting, the perfect combination for kebabs like shawarmas, koftas and red meat kebabs.”

Persiana Blend is the very same blend that adorns the cover of Sabrina’s now iconic debut cookbook Persiana, released back in 2014, and was originally created for one of Sabrina’s signature dishes from the book, the slow-roasted spice-perfumed lamb. 

The fragrant blend of rose petals, sumac, lime powder, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, garlic powder and cayenne is perfect for roasted meats, grills, root vegetables and squashes but also great with game, poultry and oily fish and seafood too.

Bazaar blend is a wonderfully versatile blend of oregano, paprika, Spanish citrus pepper, ginger and garlic powder which can be used in a wide variety of ways from simply coating meat and fish for roasting or pan-frying to salads, rice dishes, hummus and even flatbreads.

Top tips, recipe ideas and inspiration for using the spice blends will be featuring on both Steenbergs and Sabrina Ghayour socials and on the Steenbergs website. The spice jars will be available for sale individually but also as a complete set of three, beautifully packaged in a jute bag with a card and ribbon, all ready for Christmas gifting.

Flavour by Sabrina Ghayour is published by Aster (£26) with cover photography by Kris Kirkham

The Amazon page for the book is: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Flavour-recipe-collection-SUNDAY-bestseller/dp/1783255102

Brighten Up Your Baking With New Natural Organic Extracts From Steenbergs

Building on the success of their popular Home-Baking extracts and flower waters, Steenbergs has added some essential flavours to the range. Based in sunflower oil rather than alcohol, the aromatic organic Lemon Extract, fruity organic Orange Extract and pungent organic Peppermint Extract are sure to be snapped up by avid home-bakers keen to add a burst of flavour to their cakes, biscuits and puddings.

Steenbergs organic Orange Extract is a lovely smelling extract that uses organic sunflower oil flavoured with organic orange oil. A great complement to desserts like custards and ice cream, or in fruit pies or tarts, and why not try with fish to add a certain sophistication.

Steenbergs organic Lemon Extract has been created particularly for home baking but complements everything from desserts through to chicken especially together with herbs like rosemary and thyme. Another sunflower based extract; this has a glorious lemon citrus aroma and flavour.

How about trying some home made mint choc chip ice-cream with the newly improved organic Peppermint Extract from Steenbergs? Sure to add a real zing to any home baking, this is the perfect complement to chocolate and is, of course, ideal for making your own peppermint creams.

These new organic extracts join the highly acclaimed Almond Extract, which is perfect for marzipan and Bakewell tarts, and the UK and Europe's first organic Fairtrade Vanilla Extract, made from organic Madagascan vanilla.

All extracts come in handy 100ml bottles, which look great in the kitchen whilst tasting and smelling simply divine.

Bring a zest to your baking and get set for spring!

Prices from £4.85; available online at www.steenbergs.co.uk and Orange and Lemon extracts also available from Suma.

FACTFILE:
Based in rural North Yorkshire, Steenbergs Organic was established in 2003 by Axel and Sophie Steenberg. Since the outset, they have been centred on sourcing and packing the best organic spices, herbs and teas that they can find. They are one of the leaders in Fairtrade spices. They also blend spices and herbs to our own recipes creating a range of organic seasonings.

What are their differentiating features?

Completely focused on organic and ethical trading -they source most of their spices direct from growers and grower groups, many of whom are in the developing world, e.g. India, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Egypt, Vietnam, Indonesia, Turkey. They know down to the region -and often the exact 1 hectare farm- who grew the spices or herbs.

One of the original Fairtrade spices businesses - they worked (and continue to work) with Fairtrade to develop standards for spices, becoming one of the first Fairtrade spices businesses (the other 2 were Italian), launching the first Fairtrade spices range in Europe.

Determined to develop organic and Fairtrade into the quality standard for spices - since the outset, they have been continuously developing the technical side of their spices and herbs.

They work with their producers to improve the quality of their raw materials, as well as having the widest range of low micro spices and herbs in the organic spices/herbs sector. Their new factory is to the highest food technical standard with food grade wall throughout the production and warehouse area and resin floors. At the same time, they brought in new metal detection, check sieving, blending and grinding capability. All staff are trained in food hygiene and safety using external trainers.

Carbon neutral - they are committed to minimising our impact on the environment, so are carbon neutral now. Steenbergs moved into new premises at the start of 2007 that include environmental features, like sun pipes, green energy, low water use toilets and linoleum floors (in changing areas).

Foraging triggers new launches by food trend setters My Secret Kitchen

Wild Garlic Secret Spice

The UK's first food tasting company are very proud to announce the start of a new range of Secret Spices starting with Wild Garlic.

One of their founding principles is a commitment to creating versatile products with a multitude of uses. The first in a new range is a perfect example. It comprises wild garlic and garden herbs together with a secret dash of wasabi.

Wild garlic is very common throughout the UK and you can often smell it before you see it whilst taking a walk through the woodlands. Unlike your standard garlic, it’s the leaves of the wild garlic plant that are used in this blend. As well as using Wild Garlic seasoning to make a gorgeous garlic butter, a brilliant garlic bread, a delightful dip or a tasty cheese ball just 1/4 tsp of this store-cupboard wonder can replace 1 clove of fresh garlic in other recipes too.

My Secret Kitchen are predicting the rise of North African food in the market place in 2012. Their new Saffron Tagine Paste is an intense concentration of saffron and exotic spices. A heady combination of classic flavours you'd find in a traditional tagine or stew – coriander, cinnamon, black pepper, clove and mint – with a generous helping of the most indulgent of spices, saffron.

The result is a fragrant and aromatic paste that can be used in a tagine or slow-cooked stew (where it is especially good with cheaper cuts of meat) or in marinades and dressings. As is now normal practice at My Secret Kitchen this is an especially intense paste so a very little will go a very long way.

Finally My Secret Kitchen are very proud to announce the long awaited return of Miso dressing with ginger. It is an intensely flavoured salad dressing featuring wheat free soy sauce, white miso paste (a Japanese paste made from fermented beans more commonly used to make miso soup) and fresh ginger. Perfect as an Asian marinade or to add to a quick stir fry, and as it's oil free and has no added salt, it's the perfect thing to splash onto salads for a burst of guilt free flavour.

My Secret Kitchen is the UK’s first nationwide food and drink tasting company, and was started by husband-and wife-team, Clare and Phil Moran. They’ve taken the traditional Tupperware style business concept of home demonstration parties and turned it into a wonderful food tasting evening, where the host and his/her friends have an enjoyable time experiencing unusual and different foods, sharing recipe ideas in a warm relaxed non-pressure environment.

The business concept has proven to be a great success in the economic downturn for food lovers who are looking for an extra income and have joined My Secret Kitchen as a consultant, earning money from showing all the great foods.

If you're interested in spreading the word about some weird and wonderful foods, or would like more info about the idea of helping people earn an extra income by indulging their love of food or simply looking for a feel good story about a family who are leading the way in innovative food concepts.... or maybe would just like some samples to try then contact Phil Moran at:- philmoran@mysecretkitchen.co.uk
0845 094 5319
www.mysecretkitchen.co.uk

Schwartz Collaborates With Chef Maria Elia To Launch McCormick's Global Flavour Forecast® 2012

Maria Elia creates six tasty recipes to bring top flavour trends to the table all year round.

Herbs and spices experts Schwartz, in partnership with parent company McCormick & Company, Incorporated, a global leader in flavour, uncovers the future of flavour and releases its first ever global Flavour Forecast 2012. Since 2000, the report showcases McCormick and Schwartz leadership in culinary trends and innovations. It pinpoints common trends and flavours driving culinary innovation and reveals a singular set of forces driving what we will eat across the globe in coming years. In the UK, Flavour Forecast was released annually since 2008.

This first global edition of the Flavour Forecast was crafted by an international team of McCormick and Schwartz chefs, sensory scientists, trend trackers, marketing experts and food technologists spanning Asia, Australia, Europe, Africa, Latin America and North America. It highlights the six hottest global culinary themes for this year illustrated by 12 regional flavour combinations.

Trends highlighted in the report include honouring a cuisine's traditional roots, seeking the ultimate in sensory stimulation, a focus on vegetables, simplicity, flavourful swaps, and breaking boundaries.

To bring Flavour Forecast 2012 to life in the UK, Schwartz is collaborating with Chef Maria Elia, who has added her twist on Flavour Forecast by developing six contemporary new recipes appealing to the UK palate. A further six recipes have been crafted by Schwartz Concept Development Chef, Steve Love, a member of Schwartz's dedicated team of Development Chefs, who collectively identified these flavours which showcase the trends. In total a selection of twelve inspiring on-trend recipes have been created for flavour enthusiasts to replicate at home.

Maria Elia's Flavour Forecast 2012 recipes include:

Raw Lamb Kibbeh and Asian Pear Salad Honours Roots
Watermelon Cooler Cocktail takes you on a Quest for the Ultimate
Honey, Harissa Marinated Aubergines wrapped in Kataifi brings Veggies back in Vogue
Jerusalem Artichoke and Vanilla Soup with Seared Scallops gives Simplicity the Shine
Red Tea Ganache with a Cinnamon and Plum Compote encourages Flavourful Swaps
Blueberry and Cardamom Glazed Ham reminds that flavour has No Boundaries

"Being on top of culinary and flavour trends is something I'm passionate about as a chef, so it's a pleasure to work with Schwartz on their Flavour Forecast 2012," says Maria Elia. "I get to experiment with my love of flavour combinations and create innovative recipes, applying a fresh perspective on tradition that balances modern tastes and cultural authenticity. It's a fun and exciting challenge; a global adventure to inspire the palate!"

Steve Love adds, "Flavour Forecast 2012 demonstrates six global trends with some inspiring and delicious regional flavour combinations and food experiences, allowing you to eat in many countries without leaving your home nation. Now in its fifth year in the UK, the Flavour Forecast is inspired by the food we eat every day, from supermarket products to restaurant offerings. Trends pinpointed in past editions have moved once-edgy ingredients into mainstream popularity and we have no doubt it will continue to further enlighten the global culinary scene."

Schwartz is McCormick's leading "herbs and spices" brand in the UK, offering the greatest variety of herbs, spices and seasonings. Our spice experts from McCormick have travelled the world in search of the best spices and herbs available. Schwartz's extensive product portfolio spans into different sectors including recipe mixes, wet sauces, gravies and innovative stir fry seasonings.

To learn more about Flavour Forecast 2012 in the UK, visit www.schwartz.co.uk and to explore the future of global flavour, visit www.FlavourForecast.com.