Tag: baking

Top Spices for Your Pantry

Are you searching for the best spices to add to your pantry? Staring at the different types, sizes, and flavors is overwhelming at times. Are you searching for a practical and versatile list of the top spices for your pantry? Look at the following suggestions. The list focuses on everyday cooking, budget-friendly choices, and family-friendly meals. These spices will cover basic recipes without overwhelming your shelf space.

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selective focus photo of spoon of turmeric powder
Photo by Caro Lin on Pexels.com

Must-Have Pantry Spices

These spices are the ones you will reach for constantly.

  • Salt: Himalayan, Kosher or sea salt are best for cooking. Table salt is a needed staple for baking
  • Black Pepper: If possible, purchase freshly ground pepper.
  • Garlic Powder: A great spice to use on busy weeknights after working all day. Garlic powder is faster than using fresh garlic.
  • Onion Powder: Adds depth to your cooking without all chopping (or tears).
  • Paprika: This spice is mild and slightly sweet which is great for veggies, eggs, or meats.
  • Italian Seasoning: Multiple spices are in one jar (my favorite).
  • Cinnamon: Use for baking, sprinkle on oatmeal or apples. Add to savory stews. Cinnamon is a multi-purpose spice.
  • Chili Powder: Use for tacos, chili, or roasted veggies.
  • Cumin: An essential spice use to make Mexican, Middle Eastern, and chili dishes
  • Bay Leaves: Soups, beans, and slow-cooked meals often call for Bay Leaves.

Herbs That Do a Lot of Heavy Lifting

Fresh herbs are flavorful and wonderful to use. But in the beginning consider buying dried first—they last longer and cost less.

  • Oregano: Perfect for pizza, pasta, and roasted vegetables.
  • Basil: Common uses include tomato sauces and soups.
  • Thyme: Use with chicken, potatoes, or stews.
  • Rosemary: Perfect to use in roasted meats and root vegetables.
  • Parsley: Adds freshness at the end of cooking your meal.

Flavor Boosters

If you want extra spices to try, these are perfect. They provide a bold flavor without heat overload.

  • Smoked Paprika: Gives an instant “grilled” flavor to your dish.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Use as an adjustable heat spice.
  • Ginger (ground): Ginger is great for baking, stir-fries, or hot teas.
  • Nutmeg: This spice is great for sweet dishes or creamy sauces.
  • Cayenne: Tiny amounts of cayenne go a long way in flavoring your meal.

International Cooking

Do you do a lot of international cooking or want to start? Add these spices as needed for your recipes.

  • Curry Powder: Use in fast Indian-style meals.
  • Turmeric: Known for color, earthiness, and wellness benefits.
  • Allspice: Blend in Caribbean and fall baking recipes.
  • Chinese Five Spice: Use mainly for stir-fries, pork, or roasted squash.
  • Coriander: Provides a bright citrusy flavor for meats and veggies.

When filling you our pantry, start off slow. Buy smaller jars. As time progresses, replace with larger jars, if needed. And, enjoy your cooking and baking experience.

National Sugar Cookie Day

Did you know today, July 9th is National Sugar Cookie Day? What is the best way to celebrate Sugar Cookie Day? Make cookies. Sugar cookies are often a holiday treat, especially around Christmas. But with everyone staying close to home these days, making a batch of sugar cookies is a great afternoon activity.

Dating back to the mid-1700s, the sugar cookie was a creation of German Protestant settlers in Nazareth, Pennsylvania. First known as the Nazareth Cookie, the original was crumbly, buttery, and round. Today, bakers take great pride in creating masterpiece designs out of sugar cookie dough.

If you don’t have a personal sugar cookie recipe, check out Pinterest, the wonderful go-to site. Basically, sugar cookies consist of common pantry ingredients including sugar, flour, eggs, vanilla, butter, and baking powder. Decorating and designing sugar cookies are the best part.

Take a moment, enjoy National Sugar Cookie Day. The tasty treat can easily be part of a family fun night. Board games anyone?

 

Reference:

(2020). National Sugar Cookie Day. https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-sugar-cookie-day-july-9

National Indian Pudding Day

Today, November 13, 2017,* is National Indian Pudding Day. Is your reaction the same as mine? What exactly is Indian Pudding? Or perhaps, you have heard of the old fashion recipe.  For myself, when I first read this, I had no clue what to expect from the recipe or even how to create the dessert.

So, like most things, I had to start with some research. The recipe is actually well known in the New England area. The history of the tasty dish goes back to the early 17th century. The dessert was mainly served during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.

Prior to making the new dessert, I searched for different recipes. For the people who know me well, they are fully aware I am not the best baker. I basically do not have the patience to bake. For the most part, I do know how to bake and cook. But my skills are not top notch in the kitchen department. We all weaknesses. Admittedly, I do enjoy canning and making homemade jam.

After reading the recipe, I knew I was in over my head. I never even heard of the term “temper the egg” before reading the instructions. So, I did what I normally do when I cannot understand a recipe: I called my mother. Of course, she came over to help me. (By the way tempering an egg means slowly adding the hot liquid to the egg mixture to bring the two different temperatures together).

Most of the recipes called for cornmeal, molasses, sugar, milk, and spices. So, my mom and I picked the one, we thought would be the simplest to try for the first time. The recipe was an older one, but the sugar amount was reduced. I did not want or need a lot of sugar in my dish.

The main ingredients for Indian Pudding plus flour and sugar.

The ingredients start by cooking on the stove top.

The mixture coming together.

The next step requires baking. As the Indian Pudding begins to bake, the wonderful smell filled the house.

Baking in the oven.

The final product was finished. I will admit the look of the pudding was not what I had expected.

The finished product straight out of the oven.

 

The wonderful smell matched the deliciousness of the Indian Pudding. The recipe suggests topping with vanilla ice cream or heavy whipped cream. Well, I used the store bought-brand but the final product was still “yummy” good. I am glad I was able to try something new. As an extra bonus, my mom was able to help share this blogging experience.

*Note: This blog was originally written on November 13, 2015, for my other site.