Herbs & Spices

These Hasselback potatoes can be served as a main course or side dish.

This gravy is dairy-free and meat-free. Perfect to pair with nut roast, baked potatoes and roasted veggies.

Healthy, delicious and cosy dessert for winter! With extra fibre from oats and flaxseed, it can be as well a great breakfast option.

Lighter than apple crumble, but same way tasty. Baked apples stuffed with nuts, oats and spice are simply delicious. This cozy winter dessert is very easy to make at home.

Super easy, delicious cookies, with a touch of ginger and cinnamon. These Christmas Biscuits are the perfect festive treat for the whole family.

This gingerbread spice mix is perfect for gingerbread Christmas cookies and cakes. It will also make a great homemade Christmas gift for those who love cooking.

Warming and comforting soup made with super nutritious sweet potatoes providing you with lots of vitamins. Perfect for winter days lunches and dinners.

This salad packs a real healthy punch! Sauerkraut and beets, plus some winter spices for an extra flavour. Low in calories, loaded with folate, iron, vitamins and minerals.

Immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory drink! A mix of powerful antioxidants and a boost from vitamin C in one glass! This carrot turmeric and ginger drink will stimulate your metabolism for faster digestion and support the healthy gut. Cheers!

In autumn, every coffee shop offers a pumpkin spice latte. Why not making it at home? This recipe is easy and ready in 10 minutes! Other plant-based milks like almond, oat or coconut milk will also work. If you want a stronger pumpkin flavour add more pumpkin puree. If you prefer less intense flavour, use less spices.

Super creamy and velvety cauliflower soup recipe ready in 30 minutes! Perfect evening meal on cold autumn days.

This colourful salad is easy to make and simply delicious. Enjoy as a snack or lunch meal with hummus and sourdough toasts!

Derived from the Latin species ‘Spices’ are a type of seasoning predominantly used to add and enhance flavours in different meals. Spices can come from fruits, plants, seeds and bark. They can be used for many purposes as well as in cooking. Throughout history spices have been used in economical trading, decorative dyeing, perfumes and even for medicinal purposes. Black Pepper Black pepper corns come from the fruits of the black pepper vine. They hold the strong flavour out of all other coloured pepper corns and can be used hole and ground. When using hole pepper corns, you want to put them in dishes that need lots of flavour- red wine sauces, stews, soups and homemade stocks. The whole pepper corns give off a flavoursome kick, so be careful with the amount you use in your dishes. Ground black pepper is one of the most common types of seasoning and can be used in most savoury dishes. Black pepper is a typical herb (paired with salt) to be sprinkled on top of cooked meals to add to extra flavour for the taste buds. Cayenne Pepper Cayenne pepper is an adaptable spice that goes well with many savoury dishes. The unusual herb is packed with warmth and spice, but it is also a great flavour enhancer in drinks. The sweet smell can be deceptive to the taste buds, as the pepper has a quick spicey kick that lingers on the tongue. The powder and peppers are known to be used in small amounts as the kick is powerful and lasts a while. The pepper can also be used as an alternative to salt, for those considering their diet and cutting down on their sodium intake. Marinade for Chicken burgers and fish tacos, sprinkling on devilled eggs and scrambled eggs, dry rub for pork ribs, mix for salad dressings, herb for tomato sauces, spice for curries, soups and hot sauce, spice for chocolate- compliments sweet desserts with dark chocolate and cinnamon. Ginger Ginger originates from the same plant as the ‘turmeric’ spice. Ginger can be eaten raw from the root, but is more frequently eaten as a ground/dried powder. The famously sharp flavour that comes from this spice can be dulled down and changed, to a sweeter flavouring with heat or when dried overtime. This version is commonly used in baked goods, drink flavourings, desserts, and fillings. Raw-rooted ginger can be a great stock ingredient for curries, marinades, stews and soups. The root ginger can also be grated as extra flavouring on top of cakes and loafs. Interestingly, through history Ginger has been argued over, as of whether to call it a spice, or a herb. Though Ginger in the culinary world is a common spice, many cultures call it a herb after its healing properties. Medicinal ginger can be used to aid digestion, help with nausea and vomiting, and even promote healthy cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Cinnamon The cinnamon spice comes from, and is named after the inner bark of the Cinnamomum tree. The swirled sticks of cinnamon that we know, and love can also be dried and heated into a fine powder, for a reduced but sweeter flavour. There are two distinct types of Cinnamon (Cassia and Verum) used in different parts of the world. Cassia (Dark Cinnamon) is found in East Asia and most parts of the USA; it has a spicy and burnt flavouring and is used in many Chinese recipes. Verum (True Cinnamon) is a delicate type of cinnamon used in teas, cocktails and Mexican dishes, and it gives off a warm flavour. Some typical recipes for cinnamon are marinades and rubs for meats and pastries with sugar. Nutmeg The Nutmeg seed comes from the Myristica fruit in Indonesia. This mace spice has a sweet and warm flavouring, partnered with a pungent scent. The Myristica fruit is similar to the plum fruit and can be used to flavour meats, potatoes, vegetables, puddings and cakes. Nutmeg as a spice is famously used in the Christmas beverage Egg-nogg and occasionally in bechamel sauces, it all depends on your preference. Paprika Alongside salt and pepper, Paprika is one of the most common type of seasonings used worldwide. Originating from the red chilli pepper family, Paprika is a mixture of sweet and spicy peppers that are ground and dried to make a fine powder, that is sprinkled into and onto different foods. Paprika differs from chilli powder as it presents a sweet, earthy flavouring, whereas chilli powder has a strong spicy kick. Paprika works well in most roasted dishes, chicken dishes, stews, curries, paella, and more. It is a peppery spice that is incredibly versatile. On the health side of things, Paprika contains Capsaicin. Capsaicin is a compound containing anti-inflammatories, antioxidants, nutrients and minerals that can all be beneficial for our physical and digestive health. Turmeric This spice comes from the ginger flowering plant Curcuma longa. Renowned for its sharp mustard-like taste, Turmeric takes a bright yellow colouring when dried and ground down. This spice is used in cooking, and as a food and clothing dye. Turmeric is popular within South Asian and Middle Eastern cooking, working well in curries and stews. As for dyeing, Turmeric can be used alone as a natural yellow dye for most fabrics. It leaves a bright golden colour, and can be washed out or removed overtime from natural sunlight. Turmeric is also used as a colouring agent for foods such as cheese and butter to keep a consistent colouring throughout the seasonal changes. Cloves Similar to Nutmeg, Cloves are a flower bud originating from historic Indonesia. Deriving from the Syzygium Aramaticum Tree, Cloves are dried flower buds that have powerful flavourings and smells. They are used in an array of sweet and savoury dishes, Cloves can be a popular winter season spice, adding a warmth to stews, roasts, fruit desserts, mousses and even tea. However, be careful as they can be very overpowering. Intriguingly, they have the highest amount of aroma compounds out of all spices because they are party an essential oil. So be careful when you use it, it will bring a powerful scent alongside it. Cumin Originating from the dried fruit Cuminum, Cumin holds a savoury earthy flavour that pairs famously well with sweet and spicey herbs. Most commonly found in Asia and Africa, the spice itself holds an unusual warmth that works very well in rice dishes, soups, stews, savoury sauces and even pickled foods. Cumin is another powerful spice that can be overbearing in dishes, so less is definitely more. This spice is packed with flavonoids and antimicrobials making it a good addition to your diet. These compounds are great for overall clean health.

Cayenne Peppers are classic red hot chilli peppers used in curries, sauces, dressings, soups, meat and fish marinades. The cayenne pepper derives from the ‘nightshade’ pepper family and produces a relatively spicy flavour. Originating in South America, these peppers are said to have been discovered by the explorer Christopher Columbus, where he brought them over to Europe in the 15th century. The peppers were quickly experimented with and proved to work well in cooking, by drying and grinding them into a powder, which was then mixed into different edible dishes. Cayenne in the Kitchen Cayenne pepper is an adaptable spice that goes well with many savoury dishes. The unusual herb is packed with warmth and spice, but it is also a great flavour enhancer in drinks. The sweet smell can be deceptive to the taste buds, as the pepper has a quick spicey kick that lingers on the tongue. The powder and peppers are known to be used in small amounts as the kick is powerful and lasts a while. The pepper can also be used as an alternative to salt, for those considering their diet and cutting down on their sodium intake. Cayenne Pepper Dishes Marinade for Chicken burgers. Marinade for Fish tacos. Sprinkling on Devilled Eggs and Scrambled Eggs. Dry rub for Pork Ribs. Mix for Salad dressings. Herb for Tomato sauces. Spice for Curries, Soups and Hot Sauce. Spice for chocolate-compliments sweet desserts with dark chocolate and cinnamon. Cayenne and Our Health As well as being used in everyday meals, chilli peppers are also used in many homeopathic wellbeing remedies. For thousands of years Cayenne Peppers have been used for their phytochemicals. These compounds contain anti-inflammatories and antioxidants, nutrients and minerals that can be beneficial for our physical health. Anti-inflammatories Capsaicin- an active compound found in cayenne peppers, has been said to help relieve pain. The extract can be found in creams, supplements, patches and ointments, and can be helpful for muscle injuries, chronic skin conditions (eases itchiness) and those suffering with arthritis pain. However, creams and ointments are one of preference, as some people cannot tolerate the feeling of burning on the skin that comes with the cream. Many people also use the extract as a home remedy for colds, sore throats, and excessive sneezing, as it naturally shrinks diluted blood vessels and reduces inflammation. Antioxidants Antioxidants help remove toxins from our body and keep our system working up to scale. Our body naturally produces them to help fight of illnesses and infections. However, cayenne peppers also produce them through carotenoids and flavonoids (the red pigmentation), which we consume from eating them whole and ingesting via extract. Some examples of these are Beta Carotene, Lutein, and Zeaxanthin. Nutrients, Vitamins, Minerals Cayenne Peppers are packed with protective nutrients, minerals, and vitamins that benefit several parts of our bodies. Cayenne Pepper contains Vitamin A (Cryptoxanthin), E, and C. The vitamin C included helps support our immune system, Collagen and Iron production. Choline is another great example. Benefiting our nervous system and brain, Choline helps with our brain development and neurotransmitter production. Studies have also suggested it can be beneficial towards managing your weight. With the spices working towards burning calories and quickening your metabolic flow. However, with this being said, the spice level can also have a negative effect on those with gastrointestinal issues or sensitive digestive systems in general. It is important to research the spice level before ingesting, if you suffer from any of these issues.

Replace refined foods with whole foods Forget about pre-made foods, ready meals, white bread, supermarket cakes, biscuits, and crips that are ultra-processed and contain chemicals and additives that are harmful to your body. Instead, replace all this trashy food with whole foods like legumes, pulses, healthy oils, nuts, seeds and whole grains. Swap the white bread for bread made with wholemeal flour. Replace the white flour biscuits with whole grain biscuits. Ditch sweetened processed cereal and choose oats, muesli and breakfast cereal which does not contain added sugar. Cook more often and get creative Cooking at home isn't really that complicated when you have your pantry stocked with the right products. Get some nice organic herbs and spices to make your meals full of flavour. You can easily find quick recipes that will take you only 30 minutes to prepare. There are so many combinations of ingredients and flavours that you can enjoy something new every day. Fill up your pantry with healthy snacks Healthy snacks include unprocessed, healthy whole foods like nuts, seeds, dried fruits and lightly processed natural foods. Healthy snacks do not contain sugar, excess salt and fats. Instead, they offer you nutrients just as nature made them for us. They contain minerals and vitamins and good calories that help you stay healthy and full of energy. Eat more vegetables and fruits Sadly, we don't eat enough vegetables and fruits in our modern diets. Veggies and fruits are the best, purest, unprocessed food you can eat. They are packed with vitamins and minerals to keep you and your immunity system healthy. Drink more water Water is the best drink you can have. It makes you feel better and fuller. It also has cleansing properties and removes toxins from your body. Drinking more water will also help you with digestion. If you have constipation problems, try speciality waters, like Magnesium Water. Change your eating routine Try to plan regular hours for breakfast, lunch and dinner and stick to it. When you eat a balanced, healthy, whole-food meal, your body will feel satisfied for longer, and you won't crave snacks before the next meal. Result: you won't be thinking about ordering a food delivery or passing by the nearest takeaway. Make a shopping list Look through your pantry and fridge to see what you still have there. Write down all the ingredients and packaged food on a shopping list. Focus on the things you really need. Take the list with you when you go to the supermarket. This way, you will focus on the necessary product, and you will not get tempted by aggressive advertisements for snacks, processed foods and ready meals in the aisles.

There are many reasons why some spices are more popular in cooler weather. Some spices have real warming properties that offer us comfort on cold days. They can boost our immunity to fight infections and help clear out the airways. Ginger Ground ginger is one of the main spices of winter. It is used in sweet and savoury dishes we all love to eat in the colder season. It is used in gingerbread, biscuits, soups, spice mixes and with winter veggies like pumpkin. Cinnamon Cinnamon has a special warming effect that stimulates the blood circulation and increases vitality. It's also a superfood that supports the immune system, which makes it a perfect spice for winter. Nutmeg Cloves Cardamon Star anise Turmeric Allspice Chilli Black pepper

What is Turmeric? Turmeric comes from the Curcuma Longa plant, which grows in India and other Southeast Asian countries. The dried root of the Curcuma longa plant is ground into vibrant yellow turmeric powder and used as a culinary spice and traditional medicine. Historically, it was used in Ayurveda, traditional Indian and Chinese medicine. It was used to cure skin disorders, the digestive system, respiratory system and joints. What are the health benefits of turmeric? The potential health benefits of curcumin include preventing and helping to fight inflammation. It is used in the treatment of numerous inflammatory conditions for its anti-inflammatory effects. Turmeric's anti-inflammatory properties have been compared to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Another active ingredient in turmeric is turmerone. Some studies suggest turmerone can support cognitive performance due to its neuroprotective properties. Organic Turmeric also helps improve metabolism and lets your body burn a significant number of calories, leading to weight loss. Turmeric is also promoted as a supplement for a variety of conditions, including digestive disorders, arthritis, respiratory infections, liver disease, depression, allergies and many others. Turmeric usually doesn't cause serious side effects when consumed in moderation, and cooking with turmeric is not a problem. However, high doses of turmeric (especially in supplements) may have a blood-thinning effect and can increase bile production. People with liver or bile duct problems should not take turmeric supplements. How to use Turmeric Powder? Turmeric powder is an essential ingredient of curry spice and the most important ingredient in many Indian recipes like curries, samosas, and bhaji. It gives the dishes their distinctive, vibrant yellowish colour. You can use 1-2 teaspoons per serving and add it to your soups, sauces, stews, curries, drinks, lattes or smoothies.

Turmeric Known as the queen of spices - turmeric is the primary ingredient for curry powder. It has excellent inflammatory properties and will prevent you from getting the first autumn cold. Add organic turmeric to tea, lattes, cakes, muffins, pancakes, soups, sauces and stews. Ginger Ginger originated in India and South East Asia. Its root can be used fresh or as ginger powder. It has a very fragrant, zesty, fresh flavour. It can be used for both savoury and sweet dishes, bakes, desserts and drinks. Organic ginger is packed with antioxidants and has excellent health benefits, including nausea relief, reduced bloating and gas, and fighting free radicals, as well as anti-inflammatory properties. Cinnamon Cinnamon powder is made from the bark of tropical, evergreen trees. Cinnamon sticks are pieces peeled off of the inside of the bark of the tree. Cinnamon has a very warming flavour. There are many reasons why you should add cinnamon to your diet. It contains antioxidants, which help fight free radicals and protect against disease, inflammation and ageing. Eating organic cinnamon regularly can reduce cholesterol levels and lower blood pressure. Cinnamon also helps improve gut health and dental hygiene. Cinnamon, similarly to ginger, can be added to all kinds of savoury and sweet dishes, especially cakes. Ceylon cinnamon also known as true cinnamon is a more expensive and difficult-to-find type of cinnamon. Allspice Although allspice is a single spice, it has the flavours of cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg and pepper. It is a warm-tasting spice that can be used for many warming feel-good autumnal dishes. Originating in Central America, allspice berries are harvested when green and fermented for a very short time, then dried, during which they turn brown. It is used for mince meat, meatballs, stews, warm beverages, and pumpkin dishes. Nutmeg Nutmeg powder is a fragrant spice made by grinding the seed of the nutmeg tree. It has an intense, warm, nutty, slightly spicy flavour. Use organic nutmeg powder in many recipes, especially in baking, for cakes, biscuits, and muffins. It also pairs well with vegetables like potatoes, cauliflower, asparagus, carrots, and pumpkin. Nutmeg is rich in antioxidants, which help protect against many diseases and ageing. Nutmeg also has antibacterial properties against dental diseases and bad breath. Cloves Cloves are the flower buds of the clove tree, an evergreen tropical tree that is native to Indonesia. Cloves are high in antioxidants and may help regulate blood sugar, improve digestion and fight against bacteria. Known for their anti-inflammatory properties, they can help with oral infections, dental pain, plaque buildup, respiratory conditions, nausea and hangovers. Add organic cloves powder to stews, sauces, roasts, bakes and hot beverages like tea and mulled wine. Anise Anise is one of the oldest known spice plants, native to the eastern Mediterranean. It was used by the Romans for culinary and medicinal purposes. It has a sweet and very aromatic licorice-like flavour. Today, organic anise is a very popular spice in Italian cuisine. It can be used for biscuits, cakes, candies and beverages. Anise contains chemicals that might decrease swelling, and act as insect repellent. People also use it for indigestion, constipation, migraine and many other purposes. Coriander Coriander powder is a spice made from ground coriander seeds, that come from an herb similar to parsley. It has a fragrant, warming flavour. Coriander is rich in immune-boosting antioxidants. It can promote good digestion and gut health, and it may help lower your blood sugar. It can also improve heart, skin and brain health. Add it to sauces, curries, soups and salads. Cumin Cumin powder is a spice made with ground cumin seeds that come from Cuminum Cyminum, a plant of the parsley family. Cumin pairs well with root vegetables like carrots, and beetroots. Add organic cumin seeds to cabbage, cauliflower, beans, chickpeas and pea dishes.

Flavours make the food pleasurable. Herbs and spices offer fantastic health benefits and carry aromas that help you elevate your dishes to another level. They are essential ingredients in international cuisines and bring genuinely authentic taste. By adding them to your food, you can taste the world's flavours without moving from your kitchen. If you cook at home, it is worth having a collection of herbs and spices always at hand. They have a long shelf life, and you don’t need to worry they will go off. Home chefs who know basic spices and herbs can combine them to create some incredible new seasonings and flavours. These are some of this year’s popular combinations with ingredients and uses that can make your cuisine spectacular. Sumac Sumac is the most popular seasoning in Iran, after salt and pepper. It's a powder ground from the dried fruit of the Sumac shrub. It has a lemony, sweet and sour flavour, and you can use it for everything from salads to stews. Za'atar Za'atar is a Mediterranean seasoning made with sumac, organic dried thyme, toasted sesame seeds, organic oregano, cumin, black pepper, marjoram, salt and a little lemon zest. It has a fresh, earthy and zesty flavour. It's great to sprinkle on bread, chips, plant-based cheese, nut cheese, salads, veggies and seafood. Dukkah This Egyptian seasoning is a mix of herbs, spices, salt and nuts like hazelnuts, sesame seeds and pistachios. Sprinkle on soups, salads and toasts. You can also add it to baked goodies like bread, scones, and savoury muffins. Mix it with olive oil and use it as a delicious dip for bread and rice (that's how they use it in Egypt.) Powdered seaweed Powdered seaweed is a trendy seasoning that can replace salt in many dishes. It is excellent for vegetable dishes such as stews, pies, and soups. It will give them a deep umami flavour without tasting like pure salt. It's easy to make. Using a blender, mix the dry seaweed with a little salt into fine dust. You can store it in a glass jar for months. Baharat Baharat is a Middle Eastern seasoning. It is used in Lebanon, Syria, Israel, Palestine, and Turkey, and it's a bit different in every country. It is a mix of warming spices that will add a fantastic aroma and some sweetness to your dishes. Use it for warm dishes like soups, pies and stews. The most commonly used ingredients for Baharat include black pepper and white pepper, coriander, allspice, nutmeg, paprika, cumin, cardamom, cinnamon and cloves. Chinese 5 Spice As the name suggests, this Chinese seasoning is a mix of 5 flavours: salty, sweet, sour, spicy and bitter. The ingredients include spices such as star anise, fennel, black pepper, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, and galangal. This seasoning is best to use for warm dishes - roasted, cooked or baked. Garam Masala Garam Masala is a very popular mix of spices from India used for curries, lentils, chickpeas, cooked and roasted vegetable dishes and rice. It's a mix of aromatic spices, including coriander, cumin, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, bay leaf, star anise, black pepper, fennel seed and mace. Harissa Harissa is a spicy seasoning originally from North Africa. Commonly used in Moroccan, Algerian and Tunisian cuisine, it is made with red chilli pepper, paprika, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, garlic, caraway seeds, salt, olive oil and lemon juice. Used for marinates, sauces, stews, soups, hummus and couscous. Nut parmesan This one is a healthy savoury seasoning made with nuts that you can use to replace cheese in your diet. It combines hazelnuts, almond flour, nutritional yeast and salt. It's a perfect vegan parmesan option for pasta, lasagne, toast, veggies and salads. If you want an extra spicy flavour, just add some chilli. You can store it in an airtight container in a fridge for a couple of weeks.

Mince pies are one of the most popular traditional winters and Christmas treats in the UK. These delicious shortcrust pies are filled with mincemeat made from dried fruits such as raisins, cranberries and spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, allspice, lemon and orange peel, mixed with fat and sometimes with alcohol such as brandy. As the name suggests, in the past, it used to be made with meat and animal fat, but these days its most popular versions are, in fact, vegan and vegetarian. As you can often find ready mincemeat in supermarkets, many people think it's tough to make. But don't get tricked, as homemade mincemeat filling is easy to prepare and simply delicious. It's so much tastier than ready-bought products, so it's worth taking some time and preparing it in your own kitchen. A jar of homemade mincemeat will also make an excellent gift for your family and friends. You can make mincemeat ahead of time in November so it can mature till Christmas (if you use alcohol, it will last up to a month), but it's also good if you make it last minute, just before your festive baking (without alcohol). In our vegan recipe, we are using a mix of our favourite dried fruits (you can choose your favourite dried fruits), some almonds flakes for a more unique texture, plant-based butter instead of animal fat and brandy. Here's how to make plant-based mincemeat filling Ingredients (for approx. 12 -16 mice pies) 350g mixed dried fruits: raisins, cranberries, sultanas, currants, glace cherries (you can combine your favourite dried fruits) 50g candied lemon and orange peel1 sour apple (chopped)1 orange (juiced and zested)50g almond flakes (for a unique texture and flavour) 100g brown sugar60g soft plant-based butter (it will be a binder and give thick consistency) 1/2 tsp cinnamon1/2 tsp ground ginger1/2 tsp ground nutmeg1/2 tsp allspice or cloves 100 ml brandy (optional). If you are making this for kids, use some orange or cranberry juice insteadMethodMix all the ingredients well in a small pot and let it simmer on medium/low heat for approximately 40 minutes until thickened (most of the liquid should evaporate). Stir from time to time. Set aside for an hour to chill and then keep in the refrigerator for one day until it's ideal to use for mince pies.

What do you need for Christmas baking? A few essential ingredients are needed to make delicious cakes: flour, leaveners, fat, liquid, sweeteners and natural flavourings. The flour provides the structure for all baked goods through proteins that interact with liquids to create gluten. The flours need leaveners that create chemical reactions in your dough, causing it to expand and rise to make them lighter. You also need some liquid and fats to combine all the ingredients in a dough. The flavour is all up to you - spices, chocolate, dried fruits, and nuts are there for you. Here's everything you need to buy on one shopping list. Christmas baking pantry checklist: Flours: All Purpose flour, almond flour, gluten-free flour Sugar and sweeteners: White sugar, brown sugar, icing sugar, agave, maple syrup, dates syrup Baking spices: Ground cinnamon, ground ginger, cloves, cardamon, anise Nuts and dried fruits: Walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, dried apricots, prunes, dried cranberries, dates, raisins Leaveners: Yeast, baking powder, sodium bicarbonate - baking soda Fats and oils: Coconut oil, plant-based butter, sunflower oil, rapeseed oil Plant-based milk: Soy milk, almond milk, oat milk Cocoa and chocolate: Raw cacao, alkalised cacao, cocoa nibs, carob powder, dark chocolate Extracts and natural flavourings: Vanilla extract, orange extract, almond extract, orange zest, lemon zest Salt: Sea salt - a pinch of salt will not only enhance the flavour but also affect the tenderness of your cakes.

Christmas spices are a part of the holidays, just as are the Christmas trees, lights, treats, mulled wine and gifts. One of the most popular Christmas spices is gingerbread mix. Featuring ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves and ground cardamon, it is commonly used for cookies and cakes during the festive season. You can easily make gingerbread spice mix at home by combining spices from our list. These winter spices will offer a festive treat for your taste buds and a beautiful aroma in your entire house. It can't be Christmas without them. Cinnamon Cinnamon is a very popular winter spice. It is made from the bark of the Ceylon cinnamon tree. The bark is dried and rolled up to create the cinnamon stick. Ground cinnamon is usually made from cassia or Padang cinnamon. Cinnamon sticks are a great Christmas decoration! Cloves Dried cloves have a very intense, slightly bitter flavour. Use it carefully as it has quite a high content of essential oils and can overcome other flavours. You need cloves if you want to make mince pies and gingerbread - they can't go without them. One of the lovely natural Christmas decoration ideas is oranges studded with cloves. They create a citrus-spice aroma that fills the entire house, and they look beautiful. You can also put the oranges studded with cloves in closets or drawers for a fresh scent. Ground Ginger and ginger root The dried ginger root is ground into powder. It is a popular spice used for baking, cooking and making mulled wine. The flavour of ginger is zesty and lemony, fresh and slightly spicy - it's a Christmas punch spice. Nutmeg Nutmeg is made from the seeds of the nutmeg fruit, which grows on the nutmeg tree. Nutmeg has a robust nutty flavour. Ground coriander and coriander seeds Coriander-dried seeds have an intense a bit spicy taste. It can be used for all kinds of Christmas dishes - both savoury and sweet. Cardamom Cardamon is made from fresh immature seeds. It has a spicy and sweet flavour - perfect for desserts and hot drinks. Allspice The dried unripe berries of the allspice tree are strong and spicy in flavour and an essential component of the ever-popular honey cake or gingerbread. Allspice develops its flavour when ground. You can easily do it in a stone mortar: place the allspice in the stone bowl and grind it slowly. Lemon and orange zest Orange and lemon zest is the outer peel of the citrus fruits (oranges or lemons). It adds fruity flavours to your dishes. It also enhances other flavours in cakes, desserts, soups and gravies. Dried orange peels can also be sprinkled as a garnish. How to make Christmas spices infusion? The best way is to place the spices in a tea strainer or tea bag and then put them in the hot liquid so they can release the flavours and aromas. This way, you can remove spices easily from the liquid after heating them up and have a nice drink straight from the cup. How to make your own Christmas Spice? Every family has different traditional Christmas recipes. Here's the recipe for gingerbread mix that my family uses every year. You can add it to cookies, cakes and pancakes. Gingerbread Spice Mix 3 tsp ginger 3 tsp cinnamon 1 tsp nutmeg 1/2 tsp allspice 1/2 tsp cloves 1/2 tsp cardamom

A warm drink ritual best accompanies cold winter evenings. Whether it's a cup of tea, coffee or hot chocolate, it always makes you feel good. As we are approaching the Christmas holiday season, perhaps it's time to consider adding some spices to your drinks. A nice cup of chai latte or a glass of mulled wine is the perfect pairing with sofa time or fireplace in the evening. What is mulled wine? Mulled wine is sweet, warmed red wine mixed with winter spices such as cloves, cinnamon, and citrus fruit peel. There is a mulled wine tradition in nearly every European country where it's particularly popular during Christmas time when the nights are the longest. This is when people like to gather on Christmas markets and enjoy a cup of this warming drink while outside watching festive decorations and enjoying Christmas songs and special treats. Mulled wine goes by many names, like glögg in Scandinavia, gluhwein in Germany and Austria, vin chaud in France, and grzane wino in Poland. These days you can buy it in many supermarkets, but it is also easy to make at home. What do you need to make mulled wine at home? When making mulled wine at home, you need to prepare a large pot and a bottle of some good wine. The wine should be fruity, slightly sweet and not too dry. You can also add some extra vermouth - which will add some bitter-sweetness. The essential ingredients are the Christmas spices, so your mulled wine is intense in flavour. What spices do you add to mulled wine? To make delicious mulled wine at home, you need: dried lemon zest, dried orange zest, cloves, Ceylon cinnamon sticks, dried ginger, brown sugar, star anise, whole allspice. Homemade Mulled Wine Recipe 1 bottle of red wine 1 cup of sweet vermouth 1 cup brown sugar 1-2 lemon zest (or dried orange peel) 1-2 orange zest (or dried lemon peel) 12 cloves 4 cinnamon sticks 4 dried ginger pieces 4 cardamon seeds 4 star anise 10 whole allspice Method: In a large pot, mix all the ingredients. Simmer gently for about 15 minutes until the sugar dissolves in the liquid. Remove the spices and dried fruit before serving. Drink warm!

It's around this time of year that we start seeing pumpkin in the grocery shops. Pumpkin is one of the best autumn ingredients for those who cook at home. It is very nutritious, tasty and low in calories. Pumpkin is a type of squash that belongs to the same family of plants as melons and cucumbers. As it contains seeds pumpkin is technically a fruit but as it is fleshy and more nutritious, we consider it as a vegetable. All parts of pumpkin, from flower to seeds are eatable, easy to cook and they combine well with many herbs and spices. Is pumpkin healthy? Pumpkin is very healthy. It contains many essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Pumpkin is low in sugar and high fibre. It is rich vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin B6, copper, iron, magnesium, riboflavin, iron and potassium. Pumpkin is a source of beta carotene and alpha carotene which your body can convert into powerful antioxidants such as vitamin A after you consume them. Vitamin A helps to support your immune system, fight infections and keep your skin and eyes healthy. Pumpkin is also packed with lutein and zeaxanthin which are linked to lower risks or age-related eye diseases. Pumpkin seeds which are a very popular healthy snack are also very nutritious. They are a great source of copper, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc. They are low in carbs but high in healthy fat, which makes them a great snack for those on a low carb diet. How to cook with pumpkin? Pumpkin is a versatile vegetable. It can be prepared in so many ways: boiled, roasted, baked, steamed, fried or used for puree, soup, pasta, or as an ingredient for many sweet recipes, cakes and biscuits. Pumpkin is one of these vegetables that work well with many spices and herbs. How to roast the pumpkin? You can roast the pumpkin with skin or without it. Cut the pumpkin into large segments or smaller cubes. Brush the pumpkin with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Place it on the baking tray. If you leave the peel, pierce it a few times with a fork to let steam escape. Bake in a preheated oven (180C) for 35-45 minutes until soft. That's when the fork easily pierces the skin. You can eat roasted pumpkin as a main course or side dish or use it as a base ingredient for roasted pumpkin soup or many other dishes, including those savoury and sweet. What are the best herbs and spices to pair with pumpkin? Pumpkin is ideal for pairing with winter spices. When cooking pumpkin, try combining it with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cumin, cloves, chilli for flavour packed comforting warming dishes. You can also use turmeric to improve the colour of your dish and to balance other flavours. There is a combination of spices called Pumpkin Spice which is made with cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves and ground nutmeg. Pumpkin is also delicious when incorporating herbs.The best choice here for delicious pumpkin dishes would be organic rosemary or organic basil. We recommend you to buy organic herbs as they are grown without harmful chemicals and they are tastier and more fragrant than spices available in supermarkets. How to make pumpkin spice? Pumpkin spice is a blend similar to mixed spice. It's very easy to make it at home if you have the right ingredients in your pantry. Remember to you use organic spices which are healthier as they are farmed in natural way without any harmful pesticides and preservatives. Recipe for pumpkin spice: In a small jar, mix together 4 teaspoons organic ground cinnamon, 2 teaspoons organic ground ginger, 1 teaspoon organic ground cloves, 1/2 teaspoon organic ground nutmeg. Use it for cakes, biscuits, muffins, pumpkin spice latte and smoothies or as a seasoning. If you want to use your pumpkin spice for savoury dishes, use 4 teaspoons of cumin instead of cinnamon. Buy true Ceylon cinnamon Buy spices for Pumpkin Spice How to roast pumpkin seeds? Pumpkin seeds can be enjoy with the outer shell. This way they keep some extra healthy fibre. Before roasting pumpkin seeds, you should clean them from the pulp and dry them. They can be dried in the sun, dehydrator or an oven (keep them in warm temperature for 3-4 hours, stir from time to time. Toss dried pumpkin seeds in oil with salt (optional) and set them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast in a preheated oven (180C) for 10-15 minutes. Try these healthy recipes with pumpkin: Easy pumpkin soup Pumpkin spice latte Almond turmeric pumpkin cookies