Julie Peck - Homemade Spices and Seasonings: Simple Guide to Making Amazing Seasoning and Spice Mixes for Delicious Meals

Homemade Spices and Seasonings

Simple Guide to Making Amazing Seasoning and Spice Mixes for Delicious Meals

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M ost cooks and chefs make the same mistake not using enough seasoning its a simple mistake but one thousands do each and every day. It actually seems very strange to think that minor ingredients could change the entire complex of a meal. No one thinks twice about how important seasoning and spices are, yet theyre actually key ingredients.

Professionals chefs always drum into aspiring chefs of the importance of using the correct seasonings as well as the right amount but still, so many dont think about them. Seasoning and spices are very simple items and even though they appear minor players within a dish, they are actually big items and when they are used correctly; an average dish can turn into a five star dish. Really seasoning and spices can be the number one tool for any chef.

Food can be rich in taste but creating an equal balance and getting a flavorsome finish isnt always possible because of one minor error little seasoning. Many dont even believe seasoning or spices are needed because the main ingredients will provide enough but that isnt the case. Spices and seasonings provide something extra and can bring all ingredients together.

You do not have to be a professional, Michelin-star chef to know about seasoning but no matter who you are, you should learn about this if only to become a better cook. There are actually some wonderful chefs who are regular people whose talents are hidden away from the world. Professional and amateur cooks all know the secret to good cooking spices and seasonings!

S pices have been around for hundreds of years, if not thousands, and it would be very difficult to image life without them. It might seem a little odd to say such things but its true because cooking would be nowhere without spices and seasonings but what are they exactly?

In This Chapter, You Will Learn:

• What Spices And Seasonings Are
• How Different Spices Can Be Used With Different Foods

S pices are considered to be exotic because they mostly originate from the Middle East and Asia regions. However, the spice trade and the way the world uses spices have changed dramatically over the years. Some spices have been around for thousands of years while some spices are relatively new.

A spice really comes from the dry part of a plant such as a root, bark or seed. They can be used separately or combined with other ingredients which are why spices are so versatile. However, spices were originally used to color to certain foods but as the years have passed, spices have been used to add more flavors and at times, even mask certain items too.

Though, spices are not main ingredients in most dishes but rather as a minor factor which brings together a combination of ingredients. Most dont realize spices have been around for centuries and come in all shapes and sizes from black pepper to cinnamon. However, they arent just used in food; many use them in medicines across the world.

Why are Spices Important?

Spices are perfect to bring together a meal and unleash those exotic tastes and flavors. Its true, especially in Indian cuisine because the foods are so rich and without the right spices, the unique flavors couldnt come out.

Anyone who has tried Indian cuisine will know how amazing the flavorings can be but without using the right spices, the dish doesnt work. Its the same in many cuisines around the world; spices are used to help distinguish certain dishes and without seasoning or spices, they dont work as well.

T here is an array of spices that every household should have hidden away in their cupboards. Here are just a few that maybe you want to consider having tucked away somewhere.

• Paprika

The best thing about paprika is that it can season most dishes! Paprika is very popular for good reasons and it can work well with a variety of meats to vegetables and even seafood! Paprika is probably one of the top spices and one of the basics too.

• Cayenne Pepper

Considered to be a hot and spicy pepper, cayenne is a firm favorite for most people. Its made from a red pepper and offers a very powerful spicy taste which is why only a small amount is needed. However, cayenne pepper works best with Cajun style foods or even Indian dishes.

• Black Peppercorns

This is a must-have and a very basic element of any chefs toolkit. Black peppercorns are great because they offer a lovely taste without bringing an overpowering taste. Definitely the number one ingredient in many dishes, even in the basics of scrambled eggs!

• Ground Cumin

Another basic spice but also a big one; cumin is used in a variety of dishes. Its a quite enjoyable spice but not too sweet but not too dull either. Cumin is a seed and properly works best with Middle Eastern delicacies but still, its a popular spice to have at home.

• Ground Ginger Root

Ginger is used in small doses due to the fact that it can be quite strong. However, ginger is used frequently when it comes to cooking and even a small teaspoon can offer a lot more taste.

• Chili Powder

Chili powder is a big hit and one found in most kitchen cupboards today. Usually made from a variety of spices such as oregano, cumin, coriander and dried chili peppers; chili powder is a big spice to have. It isnt just good for curries or Mexican style dishes; there are a lot of Southern style dishes that work perfectly with a dash of chili powder.

This works best if you want an extra kick!

• Curry Powder

Every person out there has curry powder hidden away and to be honest, its one of the best spices to have. It can be strong and for anyone who wants to make a delicious curry, this is a must-have! Of course, curry powder isnt just used in curries but also in a variety of spicy dishes.

• Ground Cinnamon

Most people enjoy cinnamon because it offers a sweet and kind taste. Its almost an aromatic spice even though it isnt thought as one. This can be used when baking cakes and even when making curries so it does go a long way for a variety of dishes.

• Kosher Salt

This is one of the basic ingredients when it comes to seasoning most dishes. Its quite coarse so a lot isnt required. Less salt used can be important so there is no need to go crazy with kosher salt.

E veryone who dabbles with cooking needs to know how to use their spices and seasonings effectively if only to enhance the flavors of a dish. However, there are many who do struggle to know which seasonings work with what dishes and what spices are best to use.