Fiery and Funky: Spicing Up Your Everyday Life!
Reduced Costs Carry Significant Impact
I've finally figured out the blight that's plaguing my spice collection - the out-of-sight, out-of-mind syndrome! But worry not, as Esther Clark and Rachel Walker provide solutions to this frustrating problem, usually leaving us with costly, forgotten spices. While we could simply limit our purchases, we'll probably still end up with exotic ones like star anise or cloves, only to sprinkle them into that one exotic dish and never again because we don't cook Arabic or Greek cuisine often enough. What gives? Is it laziness or a lack of ideas? With "Spice Love" in hand, our culinary cleverness will skyrocket – just like mom always said, "Reading makes you smart!"
"Spice Love," by Esther Clark and Rachel Walker, is the go-to book for modern and imaginative recipes that'll revolutionize the way we use spices in our everyday meals. Both authors are seasoned professionals in the food industry, with Esther Clark also a trained chef and food stylist, and Rachel Walker founding her spice company, "Rooted Spices," in 2018. In "Spice Love," they take a deep dive into 24 intriguing spices and offer over 60 delicious and diverse recipes – from breakfast to simple dinners, sides, and snacks.
Most of the recipes are easy peasy, using a handful of ingredients and requiring minimal preparation time. There are also some more elaborate recipes for those looking for a challenge or who don't mind putting in a bit more effort, but fear not, the ingredient lists remain relatively short. For weekend enthusiasts, there's an entire chapter dedicated to delightful and decadent dishes, perfect for family feasts or friend gatherings. And even within the weekend recipes, you'll find ones that are achievable with a reasonable workload.
Useful Info about Spices
You won't find any fancy or hard-to-find spices in here, just common ones easily found in good organic stores or online. This book isn't just for city dwellers; gourmets and spice lovers live in every nook and cranny of the world! Unfortunately, Rachel Walker's spice company, "Rooted Spices," currently only ships within the UK. On a brighter note, you'll discover sources for fantastic ingredients, including Greek and Japanese ones, which can be a lifesaver when living outside of major cities.
"Spice Love" doesn't just offer modern and exciting recipe ideas, but also in-depth knowledge about spices. A minor quibble slightly dampens my enthusiasm – the logical arrangement of spices, say, alphabetically, is not present. Instead, you'll find cinnamon lurking between chili and coriander seeds. I can only guess this is a result of the book being translated from English into German. However, the different page colors make it easy to navigate through the theory section, product knowledge, and recipes, so it's not a huge issue.
In the "Basics" chapter, you'll find essential tips on how to handle spices, from selecting and shopping to storing them. You'll also learn about using spices effectively: grind, roast, temper, or pickle – each method has unique advantages, and the book provides guidance on deciding which one to use for different situations. The recipes themselves list the spices used not only under the ingredients but also with page numbers for easy reference in the product knowledge section.
Captivating Tales from the Past
Did you know cumin can aid digestion issues? It was highly valued in European cuisine until the mid-17th century but fell out of favor. What a shame, right?! Now, caraway schnapps is making a comeback – a perfect remedy for a hearty meal, as it helps alleviate bloating. Surprisingly, many households have nutmeg, yet few people appreciate its versatility. In fact, nutmeg is used to flavor Coca-Cola and Pepsi – a remnant of medieval nutmeg addiction in an entirely new guise!
"There's hardly a better example of 'rise and fall' of spices than that of nutmeg," write Clark and Walker. The tragic history of the Banda Islands, once the world's sole source of nutmeg, is a chilling reminder of the greed and corruption that plagued the spice trade when European powers intervened, resulting in the near-extinction of the native Bandanese.
Spicy Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
This out-of-this-world banana cake has a subtle spice flavor enhanced by molasses, reminiscent of a dark Jamaican ginger cake. The creamy banana and sweet cinnamon make a exquisite pair, while a touch of clove elevates the banana flavor, and the cream cheese frosting takes this cake to another level – it'll put a smile on anyone's face!
Sweet Carrots and Cumin Seeds – A Delightful Twist!
Cumin and carrots are an unexpected yet harmonious duo. Combined with Garam Masala and Kashmiri Chili, this sweet carrot dish is out of this world. Serve it as a side or enjoy it on its own for lunch with Indian flatbread for dipping.
Oven Chicken with Spicy, Lemon-y Butter Beans
Need an easy yet impressive chicken recipe that won't break the bank or your back? Look no further! This simple dish can be adapted to your taste by swapping the chicken legs, beans, or chili. The chicken is cooked on a bed of buttery onions and tomatoes, resulting in a delicious sauce perfect for mopping up with bread.
Get ready for a culinary odyssey! Bon appétit! 🤟🍽️
- Transforming our everyday meals with an infusion of exciting flavors, "Spice Love" offers a treasure trove of imaginative recipes that elevate the act of food preparation from a routine to a delightful culinary experience.
- With its comprehensive exploration of 24 common spices and over 60 diverse recipes, this book serves as both an essential guide for food enthusiasts and a catalyst for expanding our cooking repertoire, turning household spices into the stars of our dishes.
- Delving deeper into the world of spices, "Spice Love" doesn't only provide captivating recipes, but also sheds light on the fascinating history and uses of various spices, enriching our food-and-drink lifestyle with insightful knowledge about these versatile ingredients.
