Spice Mixes: Seasoning Cookbook: The Definitive Guide to Mixing Herbs & Spices to Make Amazing Mixes and Seasonings

63 Pages·2015·0.45 MB·English

by  Oliver V Ramsay

Spice Mixes
(Seasoning Cookbook)
The Definitive Guide
to Mixing Herbs & Spices to
Make Amazing Mixes and Seasonings
Table of Contents
Introduction
Chapter 1: A Brief History of Spices
Chapter 2: A General Overview of How to Mix Spices
Chapter 3: Italian Spice Mixes
Chapter 4: South American Spice Mixes
Chapter 5: Wild West Spice Mixes
Chapter 6: Mediterranean spice mixes
Chapter 7: African Spice Mixes
Chapter 8: Australian Spice Mixes
Chapter 9: Indian Spice Mixes
Chapter 10: Asian Spice Mixes
Chapter 11: Salad Spice Mixes
Chapter 12: Desert Spice Mixes
Conclusion
Introduction
One way or another you have likely been in this scenario: you have prepared a
meal to the best of your ability and you have followed all the instructions
properly, but when you consume the food, you realize that it was only the first
few bites that tasted any good. As you indulge, the food loses taste and you
realise that it really is quite bland. You then ask yourself: what did I do wrong?
Were the ingredients I chose not fresh enough? Did I over cook the food? No
matter how much analyse your cooking methods, you know that you did the
right steps!; so why doesn’t the food taste delicious?
When you reviewed everything and you are satisfied that you didn’t mess up
with either the ingredients or the instructions, then the reason why the food
wasn’t as delicious as it was supposed to be is likely because of the lack of
flavoring used in the food.
Don’t worry! You can easily remedy the problem the next time you cook! All
you need to do is gather a few spices, herbs and condiments. With these, you can
create different spice mixes and seasonings to enhance the flavor of any given
meal.
First things first, though: what are spice mixes? A spice mix is a blend of
different herbs, spices, and condiments. They are great if you want to add more
flavor to your meal, give your food a fuller taste or simply to shake things up a
little bit so you’re not eating the same thing every time! You can usually
purchase them at your local grocery store, but if you want your recipe to be more
personal, you may mix them yourself. Mixing your own spices is almost always
less expensive and it allows you to create the perfect personalised blend.
But then you say to me: I don’t know how to mix spices! Where do I Start?!
Well, thankfully you have purchased this book; consider your problem, solved!
This book contains specific instructions on how to mix the herbs and spices, so
you won’t feel lost. We’ll also give you guidance on how you can personalise
spices to your own taste!
If you’re already a pro at spices and spice mixes then this book is also for you.
Then this book will still be a great companion as we share over 40 Spice mix
recipes from all around the world. Each mix will have a suggestion on what
type of meals they can be used for and how they will enhance the flavour of the
food. There will also be useful tips in mixing spices, and storing them.
Thanks a lot for downloading this book, and I can assure you that this will be a
great kitchen companion for years to come!
Chapter 1: A Brief History of Spices
You have likely seen reddish or brownish powders in the local grocery store
selling spices. Some look fresh while some have an ancient look. Most of the
time they seem quite uninteresting; however over the years spices have inspired
war, exploration, trade as well as poetry since the dawn of civilization. Believe it
or not, the ground pepper that dresses our salad today was once upon a time as
valuable as gold; the nutmeg that we consume, was the cause of a war in which
England which gained Long Island!
Spices have been of immense significance to mankind since history’s beginning.
They are mentioned in the Old Testament, the Bagavad Gita and the Epic of
Gilgamaesh. Archaeologists discovered spices recently, which date back as early
as 3000 BC, in Egyptian tombs. The strong preservative feature of several spices
was ideal for use in the embalming process carried out in these times.
A large number of the spices in ancient times were strongly affiliated or
connected to different Gods. So, apart from the embalming qualities, the
fragrance of the spices was also believed to hold the favor of the Gods, rendering
a better opportunity to receive celestial help while traveling into the afterlife.
Across periods of history, the mystical properties of the spices have drawn
attention, either through smoking or ingesting.
Spices have been there since the start of hieroglyphic practice. In Crete, in the
palace of Knossos, a wall depicts a man or a monkey picking saffron, which is a
very precious spice. The carving has been done around 1700 BC.
With the progress of civilization, record keeping became more complex. A
mesmerizing document known as the Ebers Papyrus, dated 1550 B.C., explains
medicinal and surgical practice during the time. Now we have a listing of a range
of cures from spices and herbs, a number of these are the same spices and herbs
we normally house for our everyday cooking in our own spice racks. Most
probably, the most significant aspect of spices in the past was the capability of
healing and perpetuating life.
Another factor that explains the significance of spices is their contribution to the
exploration of the planet. We were not satisfied with the spices that had been
cultivated in the back yards, but desired to explore unfamiliar territories. As far
as adventure travel was concerned, the peril was huge, but the rewards too were
awesome. They came in the shape of spices, ebony, ivory, silver, gold, new plant
forms and rare animals. As the traveling capability of humans enhanced, the
discovery of exotic and new lands took a new turn.
Man always seeks to chase the unobtainable, and the lucky ones who acquired
the valuable commodities became affluent men, men of royalty, nobility, church
officials with high rank, and some became clever and shrewd businessmen and
merchants. It must be noted that although spices were flavorful and exotic and
sure to lead to new culinary worlds, the main reason for humans seeking spices
was their medicinal use. Even in the recent 1500s, when the “Spice Wars” were
rampant between the Dutch and the Portuguese and afterwards the Dutch and the
English, nutmegs were already precious. The reason was not the desire of the
Queen for a new dessert, but the belief that nutmeg could miraculously cure
plague, which caused the death of over 35,000 people in London in the
year1603.
Apart from being the source of many men’s fortunes, during a number of
periods, spices were literally considered as currency. In Judea, Pharisees paid
tithes in the form of cumin seeds. In the fifth century, when Alaric the Visigoth
seized Rome, the ransom constituted 3000 pounds worth of peppercorns. In 14th
century in Germany, seven FAT oxen could be traded for a pound of nutmeg. In
history, there are also instances of rent being paid in peppercorns. Moreover, in
medieval France, a serf’s freedom could be bought in exchange for a pound of
pepper.
While analyzing the history of spices, it has been found that almost each and
every spice was considered to be a potent aphrodisiac. Culpepper, the renowned
English herbalist prescribed ginger for those who did not fare well “in the sports
of Venus”. When Cortez discovered vanilla in Mexico and brought back the
same to Europe, an extensive study was conducted by a German doctor to
scientifically reach the conclusion that vanilla cured male impotence. Spices
across the ages were also held high for their role in healthy dieting.
Due to its essences, some merchants dared to become unscrupulous: they take
fake spices and sell them as if they are genuine. However, there is a certain time
phase in which spice merchants trading in false saffron were caught and burned
at the stake along with the false saffron.
During those times when water was not that accessible to people, spices became
substitute for bathing. After returning from battling, when knights met their king,
they would sit on the ground which was scattered with fresh rosemary or thyme.
Almost every wealthy king would have stunning maidens sprinkling the most
precious of spices, saffron, over him and he walked across the stairway of the
palace event.
Now that you are well aware with the glorious history of spices, the next time
you help yourself to some black pepper over your steak, you might as well take a
moment to reflect on the long route through which the spice came to your
household.
To continue the story, mankind has now found another way to enhance the uses
of herbs and spices-- instead of using them separately, we have discovered that
mixing them together will release more flavorful aroma and taste. Surely, we do
not use them to pay rent, trade treasures, and bathe, but we use them to give us a
more fantastic food experience.
Chapter 2: A General Overview of
How to Mix Spices
Herbs render a wonderful flavor to food when used in the right manner. Here are
some time-tested guidelines on how to use herbs properly.
To substitute fresh herbs in place of dried in a recipe, add 3 to 4 times more
fresh herbs than what is required and then add them at the end of the cooking
time.
Soaking dried herbs should not be added right away. You should first
experiment with them for ten minutes or more. Use water that has just been
boiled since the heat will release the flavors.
If you need the essential oils, rub the herbs between your fingers. The
essential oils will give more flavor.
Whenever you can, purchase/harvest the complete spice plant part or the
whole herb lead to prevent loss of flavor (these stay for 3 to 5 years, if properly
stored). Grind with a mortar and pestle at home.
Add 1/4 teaspoon of dried herbs or spices (1 tsp of fresh herbs) to every pint
of soup or pound of meat.
For dishes that takes just a short time to be cooked, combine herbs with other
ingredients, and then add spices along with salt.
Add spices or herbs to long-cooking dishes 45 to 60 minutes before cooking is
over.
After adding spices to cold dishes, allow to stand for a number of hours.
In many dishes, do not add over three herbs and spices, unless specifically
required or unless the spice mix has a specific recipe.
Replace spices and herbs requirements in recipes with different items like
Cilantro instead of Parsley, Savory instead of Thyme, Marjoram instead of
Oregano and Anise seed in place of Fennel. Mixing allows you to come up with
a range of delicious dishes.