Mixed Spice (Sweet Spice Mixture)
Recipe Yield: 1/2 cup | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes
This fragrant and versatile Middle Eastern spice blend is perfect for adding depth and warmth to various baked goods and desserts. Whether you’re making pies, cakes, puddings, or biscuits, this mixed spice mixture will elevate your dishes with its intoxicating aroma and rich flavors. With its balance of sweet and spicy notes, this mix is highly adaptable, allowing you to adjust the ingredients based on your preference. You may find some versions that include paprika and cumin, but this version keeps it simple with essential spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, and cloves.
Perfect for when you’re looking to create a flavor profile that stands out but doesn’t overpower your baked goods. Try it in Jewelies Grilled Pineapple and Banana with Honey or experiment with other recipes that could benefit from a warm, spiced touch.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Peppercorns | 1/2 tsp |
| Ground Cinnamon | 1/8 tsp |
| Ground Cardamom Seed | 1/8 tsp |
| Ground Clove | 1 tsp |
| Ground Allspice Berries | 1 tsp |
| Ground Nutmeg | 10 tsp |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 1/2 cup Yield):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 707.1 kcal |
| Total Fat | 13.8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2.9 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 60.6 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 173.6 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 80.5 g |
| Sugars | 1.7 g |
| Protein | 25.6 g |
Instructions:
-
Grind the Spices: The first step is to grind your spices into a fine powder. This can be done using a high-powered blender (like a VitaMix), a spice grinder, or a food processor. The goal is to create a smooth, uniform texture.
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Blend Thoroughly: Add all the spices—peppercorns, cinnamon, cardamom, clove, allspice, and nutmeg—into your grinder or processor. Pulse until the mixture is completely powdered. This may take a few minutes depending on your equipment.
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Store the Spice Mix: Once the spices are ground, transfer them to an airtight container to preserve their freshness and potency. Store the mix in a cool, dry place, and it should stay fragrant for several months.
Tips for Using Mixed Spice:
- Adjust the Heat: If you like a more pronounced heat in your spice mixture, consider adding a pinch of paprika or cumin, depending on the flavor direction you want.
- Experiment in Baked Goods: Mixed spice is great in any type of baked good, particularly those that include fruits like bananas, apples, and pineapples. It pairs wonderfully with warm, sweet flavors.
- Blend into Drinks: You can also add this spice mix to beverages, such as warm apple cider, chai lattes, or even hot chocolate, for a comforting, aromatic experience.
Recipe Variations:
- Paprika & Cumin Variation: Add 1/4 teaspoon of paprika and a pinch of cumin for a slightly savory twist that works wonderfully in both sweet and savory Middle Eastern recipes.
- No Nutmeg: If you prefer a lighter flavor, you can skip the nutmeg and instead use a bit more cinnamon or cardamom, depending on your personal taste.
Recipe Usage Suggestions:
- Puddings & Cakes: Add this spice blend to pudding recipes like rice pudding or custards for a deeper flavor. It’s also an excellent addition to moist cakes like carrot cake or banana bread.
- Pies & Biscuits: Sprinkle the spice mixture into your pie fillings or biscuit dough for an instant flavor upgrade.
- Grilled Fruit: Mix a pinch of this spice into grilled fruits such as pineapple or peaches to bring out their natural sweetness and add complexity to the flavor.
Enjoy your mixed spice mixture in all your favorite recipes for a touch of Middle Eastern warmth and sweetness. Whether you’re baking, grilling, or mixing up a seasonal treat, this versatile blend brings an aromatic, sweet, and spicy depth that will impress your guests.
