Both curry powder and garam masala are spice blends that can be used to add color and flavor to a dish. While curry powder appears to be a British invention, garam masala is authentic and widely used on the sub-continent; however, the exact blend of spices used to make it varies from region to region. But what […]
What’s A Good Nutmeg Substitute?
A lack of nutmeg should not keep you from making a recipe that calls for it. Most ingredients in cooking are replaceable if you are willing to research the substitutes and learn how to use them correctly. Nutmeg may seem like a difficult flavor to replace, but it can be done in a pinch or […]
Curry Powder: Both Sweet And Savory
The history of curry powder The word curry is thought to originate from “kari,” the Tamil word for a thin sauce containing spices served in southern India. It was one of that region’s many gravy-like accompaniments for meat and vegetables. The Portuguese are credited with bringing the term back to Europe after colonizing parts of […]
White Pepper Vs. Black Pepper: SPICEography Showdown
Pepper is the most popular spice in the world and was so prized at one point in history that it was actually used as currency. In fact, European explorers were primarily seeking pepper when they found their way to the new world. Both white and black peppers come from the same plant and both are useful […]
Allspice Vs. Cloves: SPICEography Showdown
How similar are allspice and cloves? What are the major differences between these two spices? In this SPICEography Showdown, we compare allspice and cloves side by side to take a look at what exactly separates these two fragrant and popular spices.
What’s A Good Tarragon Substitute?
Tarragon has a distinctive flavor that many people simply don’t care for. Whether you’ve found a recipe you’d love to try making without the use of this ingredient or you simply don’t have any on hand, there are several herbs that make a great substitute for tarragon.
Bay Leaves: A Simple Spice For Complex Flavor
Almost anyone who has made a basic soup or stew has used bay leaves to flavor the dish. Bay leaves have been such a staple ingredient in soups and stews that most of us use them as we always have without giving them a second thought. With a multitude of health benefits and uses beyond […]
Allspice: The Flavor of the Caribbean
It’s a common misconception that allspice is a spice blend consisting of many spices. In reality, allspice is a single spice made from the unripe berries of evergreen trees indigenous to the lush rainforests of Central and South America. This spice derived its name from the English in the 1600’s, as they found it had […]
Garlic Powder Vs. Garlic: SPICEography Showdown
Garlic is one of the most popular and commonly-used ingredients in kitchens all over the world. It’s also one ingredient that a lot of chefs have strong, passionate opinions on when it comes to the question of how garlic powder should be used. Many chefs and culinary hobbyists have a purist view on garlic, refusing […]
What’s A Good Turmeric Substitute?
No Turmeric? No Problem! Turmeric is a particularly unique ingredient. It lends flavor as well as color to your dishes, with an aroma that adds to its distinctive properties. Ingredients with complex flavors can present a real challenge in the event that you should find yourself in need of a turmeric substitute for one reason or another. […]