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