The holidays are coming...

Check out our holiday gift sets on Amazon! They contain 5 2 oz. tins and we have a variety of sets such as baking, BBQ, Italian and more. The perfect gift for anyone in your life who loves to cook...or is trying to learn to love it.

Gift Sets: Click Here to View

Watch as Jean George uses our spices on The Martha Stewart Show!

Happy Summer!

Now that the days are getting longer and the weather is warming up, it's the perfect time to dust of the grill and get BBQing. Here are a few of our favorite summer spice blends and how we use them.

Cedar Plank Seasoning: Our cedar plank seasoning contains chipotle chili, ancho chili, sugar, ancho chili, new Mexico chili, paprika and hickory salt. This is a perfect blend to give your grilled salmon a kick!

Lime Pepper: Our lime pepper contains basil, garlic, salt, lime peel, onion, oregano, pepper and thyme. This is a great addition to veggies on the BBQ or lighter fare like chicken, fish or shrimp. Mix with butter for a unique spread for grilled corn.

 Hickory BBQ: Our hickory BBQ contains garlic, ginger, mesquite powder, mustard powder, onion, paprika and pepper. Use this a rub for chicken or beef or add it to a marinade for a great savory barbeque taste.

Is it Time to Clean Your Spice Cabinet?

Happy April everyone! Now that spring has officially begun, we're sure you are all doing a little cleaning to get your homes and kitchens ready for the warmer weather. One place that many people don't ever think about cleaning out is their spice cabinet. Even though most spices do not have expiration dates printed on them, they do lose potency and flavor over time and should be replaced periodically. Here are a few easy ways to give your spice cabinet a spring cleaning.

• If spices have not been stored in a cool, dry place they are likely to lose flavor much more quickly. Also, be sure lids are always secured tightly as exposure to air deteriorates dried spices.
• Do not shake spices directly over a hot pan. The steam can make the rest of your jar lose potency, so instead sprinkle the spice in your hand then add it to the pan.
• Smell them! Pour a bit of a spice in the palm of your hand and gently rub it. If you can not smell a strong aroma then it is time to replace it.  
• Check to see if your color is still vibrant. Exposure to sunlight, among another things, can lessen both the flavor and color or spices. Paprika should be a deep red, while you want your dried basil to look grass-green and cinnamon should be the color of rich leather. If they appear faded, the flavor will be diminished as well.

Spiced Winter Drinks

Although winter is winding down, it still gets chilly at night and what better way to heat up than with a delicious, spiced drink? Here are a couple recipes to warm your belly and bring a smile to your face.

Spiced Apple Cider

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon whole allspice
• 1 teaspoon whole cloves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 large orange, quartered, peel still on
• 1/2 gallon apple cider
• 1/2 cup spiced rum (optional)

Directions

1. Place filter in coffee basket, and fill all spices plus orange wedges. Pour apple cider into coffee pot where the water usually goes. Brew, add rum if desired, and serve hot.

 

Spiced Hot Chocolate

Ingredients

• 6 cups milk of your choice (use skim to save on calories)
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Directions

In a medium saucepan warm the milk and spices over low heat, being sure to stir often. One small bubbles start to form, add the cocoa powder gradually. Whisk until all clumps are broken up. When the mixture is smooth, whisk in the honey and salt. Pour into four mugs and enjoy.

Superbowl Recipes

This Sunday, the Giants and Patriots will face off in Superbowl XLVI. Whether you are having a small viewing party with friends, or a giant gathering involving the whole neighborhood, these recipes will please hungry, football loving crowds of all sizes.

Smoky Guacamole

• 3 avocados - peeled, pitted, and mashed
• Juice from 1 lime
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 cup diced red onion
• 3 tablespoons cilantro
• 1 teaspoon smoked garlic
• 1 pinch smoked chili powder

 In a medium bowl, mash together the avocados, lime juice, and salt. Mix in onion, cilantro and garlic. Stir in cayenne pepper. Refrigerate or serve immediately with pita chips, chopped veggies or tortilla chips.

Spiced Almonds

• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon ground chipotle chili
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 4 cups raw, unsalted almonds

In large mixing bowl, stir together first 5 ingredients then add almonds. Toss lightly to coat. Arrange almonds in a single layer on a lightly greased cookie sheet.
Bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes, stirring after 10. Let cool before serving, though they are delicious slightly warm as well.

Sour Cream and Chive Dip

• 1 container sour cream
• 6 tablespoons dried chive rings
• 3 teaspoons lemon juice
• Sea salt to taste

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix. Serve chilled with potato chips, pretzles or cut up vegetables.

We hope everyone enjoys the game...plus the great food and drink that go along with it!

Alton Brown's Spice of 2012 is....Sumac!

Alton Brown has officially announced that his spice of 2012 is sumac. Sumac is not traditionally found alongside salt and pepper and many people are unsure of what exactly to use it for. It has a unqiue taste and adds acidity and bitterness to dishes, though it is less harsh than lemon. Sumac can be used in cooking but is more often sprinkled on food right before serving. It goes great with everything from meats to vegetables and can even be mixed with olive oil for a delicious bread dip or salad dressing. So next time you are feeling a little blah in the kitchen, spice up your meal with sumac.

Serious Eats: How to Keep Your New Years Resolutions with Spices

Happy New Year! We know everyone makes resolutions this time every year and a lot of them involve weight loss or at least eating a bit healthier. Here is a great article we found over at Serious Eats that shows how spices can help aid you with your New Years diet plans. Good luck!

Serious Eats: How to Keep Your New Years Resolutions with Spices

New Years Eve Hors D'oeuvre Recipes

With New Years Eve only a day away, we put together a list of the top three appetizer recipes for all our last minute chefs out there. These are perfect whether you are entertaining a large group or simply bringing a dish to a friends celebration, and they are all quick and easy to boot!

 

Chipotle Lime Shrimp

• 12 large, raw, peeled and deveined shrimp
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 teaspoon lime granules
• Juice from one lime
• 1/4 teaspoon chipotle powder
• Skewers

1 Preheat the oven to 450.

2 In a small bowl, combine the lime juice, lime granules, olive oil and chipotle powder. Coat the shrimp in this mixture.
3 Thread the shrimp onto skewers and bake for 10-12 minutes, until the shrimp is pink.

 

Crab Dip Recipe

• 1/2 cup mayonaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup cooked crab meat
• 2 Tbsp minced red onion
• 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
• 1 teaspoon granulated lemon peel
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoons of dry white wine
• 1/2 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

1 Combine all ingredients except the crab meat and salt and pepper in a medium bowl.
2 Fold in the crab meat and season with salt and pepper to taste.
3 Chill before serving with crackers, toasted pita wedges, veggies or all three.

 

Curried Deviled Eggs

• 1 dozen eggs
• 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1 Tbsp minced onion or shallot
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• Salt and pepper
• Paprika

1 Fill a large saucepan half-way with water and gently place the eggs in. Be sure the eggs are covered by at least an inch of water. Bring the water to a boil. Cover and remove from heat. Let sit covered for 12-15 minutes. Drain the pan and run cold water over the eggs. Let sit for a few minutes before peeling the eggs.
2 Slice each egg in half lengthwise and remove the yolk, placing the yolks in a small bowl and the egg white halves on a platter
3 Using a fork, mash the yolks and add mustard, mayonnaise, onion, curry powder, and a sprinkling of salt and pepper. Spoon egg yolk mixture into the egg white halves. Sprinkle with paprika.



And there you have it...three quick yet delicious recipes that should make you a hit at any New Years Eve party but won't have you spending the last day of 2011 slaving in the kitchen. Enjoy and Happy New Year from Spice Specialist.

Top Five Spices That Can Benefit Your Health

Almost every home chef has a cabinet full of spices used to add balance and flavor to meals, but did you know that some also have health benefits? Here are the top five spices that manage to be delicious and good for you at the same time.

Cinnamon

Studies have shown that cinnamon helps to regulate blood sugar, which is especially helpful for people with type 2 diabetes. It also has been proven to reduce arthritis pain in patients in as little as one week. Cinnamon is also a great source of manganese, fiber, iron, and calcium. In order to get your daily dose of cinnamon you can add it to coffee, sprinkle it over cereal or add it to plain yogurt for a tasty and healthy start to your day.

Parsley

Parsley is rich in antioxidants which would be a great health benefit on its own, but it also has been shown to help prevent the growth of some cancers. In addition to this, parsley is an anti-inflammatory which combats the onset of bone and joint disorders such as arthritis. Parsley is also high in vitamin K which helps to strengthen bones. Try making tabbouleh instead of a traditional salad for a dish that is rich in both health benefits and flavor.

Turmeric

Turmeric has been used for its health benefits since ancient times, but modern studies have shown that turmeric can do far more than originally believed. It prevents the onset and spread of many types of cancer, including childhood leukemia and breast cancer. Like parsley, it is an anti-inflammatory that is used by many patients who suffer from arthritis pain. It also may prevent the onset and progression of Alzheimer's as well as aid in weight management. Try your hand at Indian cooking to incorporate turmeric into your diet, or simply add to egg salad for a new twist on an old favorite.

Garlic

In addition to warding off vampires for centuries, garlic has many benefits that extend to the average person. It has been shown to assist in the management of blood pressure and cholesterol levels and is a natural antioxidant. Garlic helps reduce the risk of strokes due to the fact that it helps to prevent blood clots from forming. Raw, crushed garlic can also be used as a broad spectrum antibiotic. In order to incorporate more garlic into your diet, try making a garlic spread that can be used on bread or as a vegetable dip.

Oregano

Oregano is fiber rich, which helps to aid digestion and can lower your risk of diabetes and heart disease. It is also high in iron, manganese, vitamin K, omega 3 fatty acids and antioxidants. Oregano contains the essential oil, thymol, which has been found to be an anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agent. Some delicious uses for oregano are to sauté it with mushrooms, add to a salad dressing or simply sprinkle it on top of your favorite pizza slice.