Throughout history the cultivation of spices has altered the course of history. The spice trade in Europe shaped and created world events. These spice mix recipes may not change the course of modern history, but they can spice up your life in a desirable way.
The difference between herbs and spices is that herbs are leaves of low growing plants. Examples of herbs are parsley, mint, and cilantro.
Spices are the bark; (cinnamon), buds; (cloves, saffron), berry; (black pepper), seeds; (mustard, poppy, sesame), or the fruit of tropical trees and plants; (allspice, paprika).
You can create elegant spice mixes with these easy to follow instructions. The best gifts are the ones you create from the heart. You can design your own private labels. Keep a few extra jars on hand for the unexpected guest. This is also a great family project. Spices are a great way to cut the fat in cooking and save calories.
Did you know the real reason that Columbus was commissioned to sail to the new world? He was sent across the ocean in search of spices. Some spices were so precious that they were locked up in special boxes. Owning these spices was an indication of the wealth of the owner. How many spice jars do you have in your kitchen? How great is your wealth? Today we have access to exotic spices from all over the world. We have to go no further than the supermarket to appreciate the incredible seasonings available to us.
The Romans were motivated to conquer nations seeking new foods to bring home to the Emperor. If you were a wealthy Roman you could impress your dinner guest by having a new, exotic food or spice in one of your banquet dinners. When the army of Rome returned with new foods from conquered nations they were welcomed as heroes. My family roots are from Rome. Perhaps I have a genetic disposition to try new foods. I have always sought out new tastes. I heard a saying years ago, “Confucius say, person who eat new food add 33 more days to their life”. I was about 10 years old when I heard this, so I have tried many new foods. At the rate I am going I will live to be well over 100 years.
Each region of the world has its own distinct flavor. The flavors of some regions are unmistakable like oregano, rosemary, sage, bay, and thyme which brings to mind Mediterranean foods. The flavor of curry will transport you to India. If you eat some salsa with chili, you think of Mexico. Transport yourself to Thailand with the taste of lemongrass, kaffir lime, and ginger. Five spice powder, black bean, and ginger root are unmistakably tastes of China. And so the list goes on.
Cinnamon is the oldest known spice. There are records dating back to its use in the Bible.
Some spices have other properties such as health boosters. Want to enhance your mood and feel more alert? Sniff some cinnamon. Cinnamon is proven to boost blood flow and that stimulates the brain. If you eat cinnamon you can improve sugar metabolism and keep blood fats lower. I use a teaspoon of cinnamon in my blender drink each morning. I was borderline diabetic and now my blood sugar numbers have reduced dramatically.
Ginger extract taken twice a day has been proven to reduce joint inflammation. Ginger blocks the enzyme that triggers the inflammation. New evidence suggests taking ginger may reduce the chances for ovarian cancer. You can find ginger in many forms. I prefer candied ginger. I also cut up fresh ginger and brew it in my cup of tea. Ginger iced tea is refreshing.
Are you feeling congested, nose all stuffy? Eat some red pepper and it will make your nose run and you will breathe easier. I sprinkle red pepper in my lemonade, just a sprinkle. Have a glass of spicy tomato juice and you will enjoy the same benefits. If you need a quick fix and don’t want to go to the drugstore for a decongestant, then grab a packet of hot sauce. You will be amazed at how fast you get results.
You will need some small empty jars to put the spice mix you choose to make. The following are some recipes you can put in those jars. Most dried herbs and spices will keep for one year in a cool, dry place.
| Apple Pie Spice 4 Tablespoons cinnamon
2 Tablespoons nutmeg
1 Tablespoon cardamom
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| Cajun Spice Mix Mix all of these spices in the blender, except for the salt. 5 Tablespoons cayenne pepper
3 Tablespoons black pepper
3 Tablespoons onion powder
3 Tablespoons garlic powder
3 Tablespoons chili powder
1 Tablespoon dried sweet basil
1 Tablespoon bay leaf powder
1 Tablespoon thyme
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Blend the above spices until they are one color. In a separate bowl add the blended spice mix into the salt. Put in small jars and label.
Chili Powder 2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon oregano powder
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| herbes de Provence 4 Tablespoons summer savory
4 Tablespoons thyme
2 Tablespoons lavender
1 Tablespoon rosemary
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| Italian Seasoning Mix 1 Tablespoon oregano
1 Tablespoon rosemary
1 Tablespoon sage
1 Tablespoon dried basil
1 Tablespoon marjoram
1 Tablespoon thyme
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For making spiced apple cider. You will need 4 cups of apple cider for this recipe. Combine the following and place in a tea ball or use a coffee filter tied with a string. You will use this as a tea bag in the apple cider as you heat the cider in a pot on the stove. The fragrance will fill your home.
Mulling Spice Mix 4 cinnamon sticks, crushed
7 cardamom pods, crushed
1 Tablespoons cloves
2 Tablespoons peppercorns
8 anise seeds
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| Pickling Spice Mix ¼ cup mustard seeds
¼ cup dill seeds
¼ coriander seeds
2 Tablespoons crushed chili peppers
2 Tablespoons bay leaves
1 Tablespoon celery seeds
1 Tablespoon white peppercorns
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Use the recipe below in pumpkin pie recipes, sprinkle on hot oatmeal, or add to your blended drink. Other uses are for making cakes, sprinkle on sugar cookies or make cinnamon toast. Toast 2 slices of bread, spread with butter or margarine, and sprinkle pumpkin pie spice on top.
Pumpkin Pie Spice 2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon ground cloves or allspice
½ teaspoon nutmeg
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| Spaghetti Seasoning Mix This recipe is equivalent to one packet of seasoning. You can double or triple the recipe and make up jars of this mix. 2 Tablespoons dried green pepper flakes
1 Tablespoon dried onion
1 Tablespoon dried parsley
1 Tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon basil
1 teaspoon rosemary
1 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon sage
1 teaspoon marjoram
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1-2 teaspoons salt; to taste
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I hope you enjoy these spice mixes. As we come into this holiday season remember to keep an open heart, sprinkle in some forgiveness and tolerance. Stir in compassion and caring. We have so much to be thankful for. Thank you for reading my column. I always enjoy reading your comments.
