The Spice Rack: Pt 1

Allspice

Tastes and smells like a blend of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger. Not a mixture of spices, but the dried berries of a tropical plant, harvested and dried before ripening. Most flavor can be found when dried whole fruits are ground fresh, though powder form is acceptable in most kitchens. Since allspice has a strong flavor, use sparingly in baked goods and other dishes. Adds interest to meat dishes, especially Caribbean cuisine.

Chili Powder

Chili Powder is a blend of rish spices such as cumin, garlic powder, and chili peppers. Commercial preperations can be found in any food market/grocery store. Homemade versions are more robust than the prepackaged type. For experienced cooks, chili powder can add zest to a variety of foods, eeven baked goods like corn bread. Though not recommended for sweet dishes, a smidgen will give an amazing new twist to chocolate based desserrts and even cakes.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is possibly the most well known of all spices. It is a tree bark, rather than a fruit or berry. The scent and flavor is welcome in so many dishes, it can be added to nearly anything with good results if used in moderation. Pork is an especially good pairing. Try a pinch of cinnamon in tomato based sauces.

Coriander

Coriander is the seed of the cilantro plant, a staple of Mexican Cuisine. Bold, with taste and scent like that of a mixture of sage and lemon. Best used in stewes and soups for main dishes. Sparingly used it can add a intriguing flavor to salad dressings and even certain sweet dishes.

Cumin

Cumin is a seed, sold powdered or whole. The spice is what gives chili powders the distinctive taste we are so familiar with. Best used in savory, rich dishes, a must have for Mexican cooking. Can be used in sweet dishes by the intermediate to experienced cook. Novices are encouraged to experiment, but use the spice sparingly.

Curry Powder

A blend of spices, not a true single spice. Most often found in Thai dishes. This spice mix is most flavorful when combined at home or from a market that makes it fresh. Commercial preperations can be bland and vary widely. Curry powder is a ‘love it or leave it’ type of flavor. Use sparingly in main and side dishes, not a great addition to desserts.

Fennel

Fennel is often sold as anise in some groceries. It is a feathery plant top and can be found with its’ root in some areas. Anise flavored, which is much like black licorice. Another love it or leave it flavor. If you do not like black licorice, this is possibly not a spice for you to try. Used in many different dishes, it can be used to enhance meat, vegetables, and desserts.

Ginger

Another well known spice. A root which can be purchased whole, dried, candied, or ground. Popular all over the world in many different dishes, ginger is a strong ‘hot’ flavored root. Ginger is well known as well for its’ ability to help soothe stomache upsets. Try ginger in all of your dishes, from meat to desserts. Main dishes should normally use only a small amount unless the recipe specifies more.