Table Talk: Spice Up Your Holidays!
The holidays bring images of family, feasts and love for most of us, even in this crazy year. We have all had our fill of 2020, but I say let’s just get our fill on some amazing food. It’s time to spice up your holidays!
Did any of you suddenly panic when you reached in your spice cabinet for that holiday spice only to find you didnt have any? Or worse, found it to be solidified from the humidity (I’m in Texas so I feel ya!) or so old its unusable? There are spices we only seem to use in the holiday season. Before Christmas brings the same panic to our hearts, let’s make sure they are on hand.
All In the Spice
There are some spices that are not generally used on a daily basis so it’s understandable that we would overlook that jar or have it at the back of the cabinet. Some are straight forward spices while others seem to scream one-time-use. That doesn’t have to be the case. As for the straight forward spices, here are a few I keep on hand for the holiday prep. Add these to your next grocery list then let’s talk about spicing up your weekly meals with them. The possibilities are endless! Here are a few ideas:
- nutmeg – ideal for most vegetable dishes such as soups, roasted squash, or steamed cauliflower.
- cloves – any recipe that you would use cinnamon or nutmeg. They are virtually interchangeable
- ginger – toss in a teaspoon when making oatmeal muffins.
- sage – add to the flour when making gravy or frying chicken.
- allspice – delicious when added to pancakes or waffles.
- marjoram – great when seasoning baked chicken or pork!
- cinnamon – add to your syrups or steep in a cup of refreshing tea.
- mint – great for seasoning pork chops!
Poultry Seasoning
Poultry seasoning is good for any meat but especially as a rub for the white meats. I wouldn’t stop there, however. Try your magic on adding it as a seasoning for stuffing, gravies, casseroles, soups, sauces … OH! And did I mention meatloaf? Yeah! I just mixed a couple tablespoons in the hamburger meat along with the other ingredients and it was Oh my gravy good!
Spice Things Up
Everything is pumpkin pie spice nowadays and for good reason. Try it in oatmeal, a dash in coffee, or mix with your coffee grounds to get a good simmer blend. Add into pancakes and syrups, or simmer with rum for a pumpkin spice liquor.
Much of the same can be said for apple pie spice. It is delicious when added to hot cider. Blend a little with oatmeal, or sprinkle on cold cereal, French toast, or popcorn!
Holiday spices don’t have to just be for the holidays, but make sure you have these delightful tastes waiting for you in your spice cabinet. Make this a memorable holiday season for you and yours.
Poultry Seasoning
Ingredients
- 1 ½ tsp thyme
- ¾ tsp ground rosemary
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp margaram
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- 2 tsp sage
Pumpkin Pie Spice
Ingredients
- ½ cup cinnamon
- 1 Tbsp allspice
- 4 Tbsp ginger
- 1 Tbsp nutmeg
- 1 Tbsp cloves
Apple Pie Spice
Ingredients
- ½ cup cinnamon
- 4 Tbsp ginger
- 1 Tbsp allspice
- 1 Tbsp nutmeg
- 1 Tbsp cloves
I love making my own spice blends at home. So much more economical and you can control which spices you want to be more predominant.
This is great! I’ve been wanting to make my own poultry seasoning and needed a good recipe. Perfect!
It really comes in handy! Glad I could help.
One stop shop for holiday spices. I love it!
It’s the only way to go! lol
I for one always freak out when I reach for my taco seasoning and the jar is empty. Refreshing your spice cabinet is a must!