Inspiration

Living in Wisconsin, I have come to expect bitterly cold winters. So, imagine my delight at a December of temperatures in the 40s and 50s. Was it unsettling? yes, but did I enjoy it? you bet! Alas, here we are in January and the temperatures have dropped to the bone-chilling single digits. Perfect weather for a nice warm cup of mulled wine. Mulled wine is one of those great recipes that is really hard to mess up and once you find the perfect combination, you will have a lovely signature drink. Bonus: it makes your house smell amazing. Mulled wine...

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...

A good friend who has spent a lot of time in India recently introduced us to this lovely spicy chai latte recipe. In India, the word chai is synonymous with tea, so I'll avoid the term 'chai tea' here, as it can irritate some people. However, in the US, chai refers to a specific blend of tea and spices that produce a wonderfully aromatic infusion. You can purchase chai teabags, but why do that when everything you need is right in your AllSpice rack. It is the perfect warm sweet drink for fall and it is a good excuse to show you...

Scientific Name Allium Schoenoprasum What are Chives? Chives are a member of the onion family. They have a light onion-y flavor and can be used fresh in a large variety of dishes. What is the History of Chives? Chives are native to Europe and North America. They began being cultivated in the Middle Ages and became popular in the 1800s. How are Chives Grown? Chives grow easily in the home garden. They can be purchased at most nurseries and will thrive even in very cold climates. The green stems sprout early in spring and can be harvested until they die back...