Inspiration / Spice Information

Scientific Name Cinnamomum zelanicum What is Cinnamon? There are many varieties of cinnamon (see our post on varieties of cinnamon). All are the bark of various evergreen trees in the laurel family.  Cinnamon has a very warm sweet and spicy flavor that works equally well in desserts and savory dishes. It is arguably the 'sweetheart' of the spice rack. What is the History of Cinnamon? Cinnamon is indigenous to Sri Lanka. Its use dates back to 2000 B.C.E. It has been used in preserving meats and in rituals throughout the ancient world. The origin of the cinnamon was a well...

The difference between a high quality and low quality gin is profound. A high quality gin offers complex flavors that instantly send you to a lush Northern California hillside or an aromatic British seaside. Anchored by juniper, gin can include a multitude of botanicals. Some of the most common are: Angelica Coriander Bay Leaf Cardamom Citrus Cubeb Fennel Ginger Grains of Paradise Lavender Orris root Some of the newer gins are considered terroir gins and are designed to give the essence of the surrounding lands. My current favorite is St. George. They offer three styles, all of which, while unique,...

Nothing signals fall like the warm, sweet smell of cinnamon. Cinnamon is at home in dishes as varied as apple pie and chicken bastilla.  Its spicy notes blend beautifully with sweet or savory. Many people would be surprised to learn that there are several varieties of cinnamon. Choosing the right one is easy if you know the basics. There are two main varieties of cinnamon, Ceylon and Cassia. Cassia can also be further broken down into Korintje, Vietnamese and Chinese Cassia.  Ceylon Also known as 'true cinnamon,' Mexican cinnamon, or canella, ceylon is not readily available in American grocery stores. It...

As we enter the holiday season, our homes become filled with the scents of baking and cooking for family celebrations. On those days that you are not cooking for a big family get together, you can still fill your house with lovely scents from your AllSpice rack. Simply boil a pan of water, add spices and perhaps a few fruits, turn it down to a simmer and continue to add water as the water boils out.  Be creative with the spices and fruits you use! There are lots of options. To get you started, here are a few suggestions (for...

Harvest season is upon us! In most parts of the US, tomatoes, cucumbers and squash are abundant and gardeners are enjoying the (literal) fruits of their labors. If your garden is like mine, you have had to prune your herbs more than once already this season. Our penchant for fresh mojitos and mint tea just does not keep up with the mint plant's growth rate. The good news is that there are several ways to preserve those fresh summer herbs for the fall and winter ahead. Drying Herbs The most obvious choice is to dry the herbs and store them...