Nutmeg…Naughty or Nice? (nutmeg cookie recipes)

2 Comments

Decisions…decisions…  There are so many spices that remind me of the holidays. 

 Somehow, I landed on Nutmeg because not only does the spice Nutmeg enhance sweet recipes, the spice Nutmeg also enhances savory dishes.  I was really surprised to learn that the spice Nutmeg needs to be used in moderation.  It also has a lot of medicinal and cosmetic benefits.

Is it Naughty or Nice?  That is definitely a matter of opinion….Read below…You Decide.  

Below, I’ve posted a few cookie recipes.  One recipe is for Chocolate Nutmeg Amaretti  (with a sugar-free variation).  The other cookie recipe is for Spice Drops.  This recipe is my take on my husbands favorite Snowball Cookie recipe.

Enjoy!

 

What is Nutmeg?

Nutmeg is not a nut.   Nutmeg is the seed from a peach-like fruit that grows on an evergreen tree which is typically harvested in Indonesia.   This peach-like fruit is not considered very tasty and is typically pickled.

Nutmeg is purchased either whole or ground (freshly ground Nutmeg is definitely more flavorful).  Like most spices, it needs to be stored in a cool, dark location.

Why is Nutmeg Naughty?

Nutmeg needs to be used in moderation.  A pinch or two per serving is okay.  However, large doses can trigger vomiting and nausea.  Pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid the use of nutmeg.

Culinary Uses

Nutmeg is typically used in sweet dishes like rice pudding, fruit desserts, pancakes, waffles and cakes.   It is also enhances savory dishes…especially recipes that have greens, root vegetables, cheese and eggs.   My mother always adds Nutmeg to the cheese filling for baked lasagne and baked ziti.   So, now I do the same and it really kicks it up a notch.

Of course, with the holidays in full swing, we cannot forget about Eggnog (the recipe calls for Nutmeg).   If you have leftover Eggnog and are not sure what to do with it, check out the recipe that Southern Living Magazine published in December 2009 for Eggnog Cupcakes:  http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=10000001940930.

Medicinal Benefits  

Note: Home remedies should not be tried without consulting the physician.

Nutmeg is known to have strong antibacterial properties, aid in digestion, improve appetite, and combat asthma.  I also ready that it is used to relax muscles and treat acne. Nutmeg is also listed as an aphrodisiac.  

 

 

Gypsy World Spice Cafe Recipe – Chocolate Nutmeg Amaretti Cookies

Yield:  About 48 cookies

2 cups Almonds (whole or slivers)
1 cup Granulated Sugar
2 tablespoon Cocoa Powder
4 tablespoons Confectioners Sugar
4 Egg Whites
good pinch of Cream of Tartar
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
1 teaspoon Almond Extract
1 tablespoon ground Nutmeg
½ teaspoon Cinnamon
sliced almonds to garnish

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a food processor, process almonds with ½ cup of sugar until finely ground and transfer to a medium bowl.
  3. Stir in cocoa powder and confectioners sugar.  Set aside.
  4. In medium mixing bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar until stiff peaks form.
  5. Sprinkle in remaining ½ cup sugar and beat well until glossy and stiff.  
  6. Beat in almond and vanilla extracts.
  7. Fold egg whites into almond-sugar mixture.  
  8. Spoon into piping (pastry) bag fitted with plain ½ inch nozzle.
  9. Pipe 1 ½ inches rounds about 1 inch apart on a baking sheet.
  10. Press an almond sliver into each cookie.
  11. Bake 12 minutes or until crisp.
  12. Cool on a baking rack for 10 minutes and then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

If desired, drizzle with melted chocolate or dip into melted chocolate and sprinkle with colored sugars or just leave plain..

Sugar-Free Variation:  Substitute the granulated sugar with Splenda.  Substitute the 4 tablespoons of confectioners sugar with 2 tablespoons of Spenda/Brown Sugar Blend.

Blogger’s Comments:  If you do not have a pastry bag, you can use a large ziploc bag and snip the corner.  

 

 

Gypsy World Spice Cafe Recipe – Spice Drops

Yield:  About 48 cookies

½ cup Granulated Sugar
¼ cup Brown Sugar
½ cup Shortening
1 Egg
1 teaspoon Vanilla
½ cup Butter, softened
2-1/4 cups Flour
½ teaspoon Salt
¼ teaspoon Baking Powder
1 teaspoon ground Nutmeg  
1 teaspoon Cinnamon
1 teaspoon Cardamom
½ cup Confectioners sugar

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  2. Add ½ cup confectioner’s sugar to a large ziploc bag and set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, cream sugars, butter and shortening.
  4. Add egg and vanilla and beat until blended.
  5. In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the remaining ingredients.
  6. Slowly add dry ingredients to the sugar-butter mixture and beat until well blended.
  7. Roll heaping teaspoons of the cookie dough into balls.
  8. Place on the cookie sheet about 2 inches apart from each other.
  9. Bake for 12 minutes.
  10. Cool on baking sheet for 3-4 minutes.
  11. Transfer warm cookies to the ziploc back and shake to coat with confectioners sugar.  
  12. Place on wire rack to cool completely.

Variation:  Before baking, Roll the cookie dough ball into the colored sugar.  Skip the steps to roll in confectioner’s sugar.



Gypsy World Spice Cafe Blog – December 2010 News

Leave a comment

The holiday season is in full swing!  I particularly love the December holiday season which brings back great memories of wonderful family traditions.   Christmas Eve is the big December holiday for my family.   It is when our family gathers together to exchange gifts, eat and have fun.  Christmas is typically our day to relax and recover from the night before.  This year, Christmas takes on a bigger meaning because we will be celebrating the first birthday of my niece born on Christmas Day 2009.  

In December 2010, Gypsy World Spice Cafe will focus on both traditional and contemporary recipes that highlight the holiday spices.  The recipes will continue to focus on things that you can make (or take) for holiday entertaining (along with recipes that save time because you are busy with all the tasks that the holidays season brings with it).  I’m really excited about all the research for this month’s spice article and the recipes that I plan to post throughout the month.  

This past Thanksgiving, we went away to see family.  On the drive back home, I was thinking about the holidays and realized that it is very interesting how the Thanksgiving theme is a natural transition into the December holidays. Thanksgiving reminds us to be grateful for all of the people and events that have made an impact on our lives while the December holidays provide opportunities to appreciate everything that we are grateful for.  

What is the difference between being grateful and being appreciative?  Well, being appreciative is very similar to being grateful.  The big difference is that being appreciative is the act of fully recognizing what you are grateful for (versus just saying you are thankful).  As the old saying goes, ”Actions speak louder than words”.

It dawned on me that New Years ties it all together.  Could it be that all of these opportunities we have to be grateful and appreciative for are actually helping us define what our 2011 goals should be?  

Hmmm.  Now that’s a thought…

Have a great holiday season!   

Enjoy!

Chocolate Coated Pumpkin Gingerbread Bon Bons

1 Comment

Here is a recipe that you can enjoy without the guilt! This super-moist pumpkin gingerbread is shaped into little balls and dipped in a chocolate coating.  They are amazing.  

The cake will be very moist which will make it easier to shape the cake into balls.

The calories are reduced by substituting pumpkin puree in place of eggs and butter. I also swapped out the milk with unsweetened vanilla almond milk.  This leaves room to allow for a little chocolate… It is a dessert after all…

Enjoy!

 

 

Gypsy World Spice Cafe Recipe – Chocolate Coated Pumpkin Gingerbread Bon Bons

1 15 oz. package Hodgson Mill Gingerbread Mix (100% Whole Grain)
1 15 oz. can Pumpkin Puree
1 teaspoon Gypsy World Spice Cafe’s Sweet Spice (or substitute with Pumpkin Pie Spice)
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk
1 package Chocolate Bark Coating (12 squares)
½ teaspoon Gypsy World Spice Cafe’s Spiced Cocoa (optional)

  1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Spray a 8×8 baking pan with cooking spray and set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, pumpkin, almond milk, vanilla extract and sweet spice on low until ingredients are blended. Then increase speed to high and mix for 3 minutes.
  4. Pour batter into prepared baking pan.
  5. Bake for 40-45 minutes until cake tester comes out clean.
  6. Let cool completely.
  7. Roll 1 tablespoon portions of cake into balls.
  8. Using instructions on package of chocolate bark coating, melt the chocolate.
  9. Stir in spiced cocoa (optional).
  10. Dip cake balls into the melted chocolate and set on wax paper to harden.
  11. Decorate with candies or nuts.

Blogger’s Comment: The cake is also very good on it’s own dusted with confectioner sugar or served with whipped cream.

Slow Cooked Spiked Cranberry Sauce

2 Comments

Cranberry sauce is definitely one of my favorite things to eat at Thanksgiving. 

Several years ago, while on a personal mission to eat healthier, I developed this recipe to have a homemade, lower calorie cranberry sauce.  This recipe is done in the slow cooker and I opt to substitute Spiced Rum for a portion of the water.  What goes better with Spiced Rum than lime!  Cranberries pair very well with lime and it is an unexpected twist on the traditional orange zest that most use. 

I like it so much that I make a several batches this time of year and store some in the freezer.  It is great on yogurt and oatmeal ( or add to your post-workout shake!).    I’ve included a cocktail recipe using Slow Cooked Spiked Cranberry Sauce (cool way to use leftover cranberry sauce…if you have any). 

Enjoy!

 

 

Gypsy World Spice Cafe Recipe – Slow Cooked Spiked Cranberry Sauce

2 12-ounce bags of fresh Cranberries

2 cups Splenda

1/2 cup Spiced Rum

1/2 cup water

2 cinnamon sticks

grated zest of 2 limes

  1. Rinse cranberries and pick out the stems.
  2. Add cranberries, Splenda, spiced rum, water, cinnamon sticks to the slow cooker.
  3. Cook on High for 2 hours (or on low for 4 hours). 
  4. Stir in the lime zest.
  5. Let cool.
  6. Transfer to an air tight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.

Blogger’s Comments:   You can also opt to use 1 cup water and skip the spiced rum.  On the flip side, you can opt to use 1 cup spiced rum and skip the water. 

 

 

 

Gypsy World Spice Cafe Recipe – Spiced Crantini

Great way to use up the leftover cranberry sauce during the holiday season!  Great for parties!

Yield – 2 Martini’s

2 oz Light Cranberry Juice

2 oz Vodka

1 oz Spiced Rum

1 tablespoon of Slow Cooked Spiked Cranberry Sauce

Juice from 1/2 Lime

  • Mix all ingredients in a shaker with ice.
  • Give a good shake.
  • Pour into two martini glasses and garnish with a lime.

Spicy Mocha Cupcakes

1 Comment

This week I needed to make cupcakes for a bake sale at the office to benefit a charity.  Since this bake sale was geared toward adults, I decided to go for a spicy chocolate cupcake infused with the flavor of coffee…

The below recipes reference some of my Spice Blends.  Spiced Cocoa is a blend of dark unsweetened cocoa, cayenne pepper and other spices to enhance the flavor of the cocoa and balance the cayenne pepper.  Sweet Spice is a blend of cinnamon and other unique spices.  

Enjoy!

 

 

Gypsy World Spice Cafe Recipe – Spicy Mocha Cupcakes

1/3 cup half & half
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
3 tablespoons Gypsy World Spice Cafe Spiced Cocoa
1/2 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 cup coffee, chilled
2 1/2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Combine semi-sweet chocolate chips with half & half in a small bowl.  
  • Microwave chocolate chips / half&half for 25-30 seconds intervals until chocolate chips are softened.  
  • Stir in Spiced Cocoa and set aside to cool.
  • In a large mixing bowl, cream butter until fluffy.  
  • Add sugar to butter and beat for an additional 5 minutes.
  • Add eggs (one at a time).  Beat well after each egg is added.
  • In another bowl, combine flour, salt and baking soda.
  • Alternate adding flour and coffee to the butter/sugar mixture while mixing until well combined.
  • Stir in vanilla and melted chocolate.
  • Fill cupcake liner 2/3 full.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cake tester comes out clean.
  • Transfer to wire rack to cool.
  • Frost with Sweet Spice Buttercream Frosting (see below).  
  • Decorate with chocolate covered espresso beans. (optional)

Blogger’s Comment:   If you want to try this recipe, swap out the Spiced Cocoa for 2  tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa + 1 tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice.  It won’t have the heat…but will be very tasty.

 

Gypsy World Spice Cafe Recipe – Sweet Spice Buttercream Frosting

3 3/4 cups confectioners sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
3 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon Gypsy World Spice Cafe Sweet Spice
1 teaspoon vanilla

  1. In a medium bowl, combine confectioners sugar, butter, milk, sweet spice and  vanilla with a mixer.
  2. Beat for 1-2 minutes until very creamy. ( Add more milk if it consistency is too thick).


 Blogger’s Comment:   If you want to try this recipe, swap out the Sweet Spice for Cinnamon.

 

Ali Love Cakes

7 Comments

My niece is getting married this December.  Recently, I attended her bridal shower.  My task was to make the bridal shower cake.  Immediately I knew that this cake had to not only be special…it had to be creative and incorporate spices (…especially since this special bride-to-be was a flower girl at my wedding).

I had read while doing my research for  my “Celebrate Cinnamon” article, that Cinnamon paired really well with dried Roses.  This sounded so romantic and inspired new sweet and savory recipes.  Below, you will find the bridal shower cake recipe that triggered  this article — “Ali Love Cakes”.   

So, dedicating this article to this young bride-to-be and her future husband….  May they be blessed with a life that is rich in love and joy….

Enjoy!

 

Are Roses Edible?

Yes, Roses are edible.  The darker the rose, the more flavorful the Rose will be.  

Note:  Be sure that when you purchasing edible Rose products that you ensure that they were grown for culinary purposes (to avoid pesticides/chemicals).   
 

Culinary Uses

The white portion of Rose petals are bitter and it is recommended that you remove that part of the Rose petal before cooking with them.   Try adding Rose petals to your salads.  Also you can crush dried Rose petals and add them to savory or sweet dishes.  Another way to add Rose flavor is by substituting Rosewater for recipes that call for vanilla extract (or try 1/2 vanilla, 1/2 Rosewater).

If you like tea, try adding a few dried rose petals with your favorite dried tea leaves.  Check out the Etsy.com shop, Most Natually.  The “Love Tea” from this shop is very good.  http://www.etsy.com/shop/MostNaturally?section_id=6614021.

Cosmetic Uses

Indulge in a facial steam.  Put dried Roses in a bowl.  Add boiling water and place your face over the bowl (while draping your head with a towel).  Steam for 15-20 minutes.
 
Take a luxurious bath.  Try adding dried Roses to your bath water or try adding dried Roses to your bath salts.

Make your own facial toner.  I’ve been a fan of witch hazel for years.  Add 1 part of dried Roses to 6 parts witch hazel.

 

 

Gypsy World Spice Cafe Recipe – Ali Love Cakes

“Ali Love Cakes” are rose & cinnamon flavored pound mini-bundt cakes that were dusted with powdered sugar and drizzled with lavender infused melted white chocolate and then filled with a rose, cinnamon & vanilla buttercream.  To finish the mini-bundt cake, I topped cake with gum paste Christmas Roses and Edible White Pearls.  The bride-to-be loved them…   

Check out http://www.shopbakersnook.com for great cake decorating products…

1 box pound cake mix                   (I used Betty Crocker)
3/4 cup milk
2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons Rosewater

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Spray mini-bundt cake pan with cooking spray.
  3. Add cake mix, milk, eggs, cinnamon and Rosewater to a large mixing bowl.
  4. Mix on low for 30 seconds.
  5. Increase mixer speed to medium and mix for 3 minutes.
  6. Fill each mini-bundt halfway.  Smooth tops with a spoon.
  7. Bake for 20 minutes (or until cake tester comes out clean).
  8. Remove from baking pan and cool on a wire rack.
  9. When cool, dust the mini-bundt cakes with powdered sugar.
  10. Drizzle with “Lavender White Chocolate Drizzle” (see recipe listed below)
  11. Fill the center of the mini-bundt cakes with Cinnamon-Rose Buttercream Filling  (see recipe listed below)
  12. Decorate with candies, gum paste flowers or edible roses.

 

  

Gypsy World Spice Cafe Recipe – Lavender White Chocolate Drizzle

3 tablespoons half&half
1 teaspoon dried lavender (culinary use only)
1/2 bag of white chocolate chips
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon Rosewater

  1. In a small bowl, heat half&half in the microwave for 45 seconds.  
  2. Add dried lavender.  Cover with plastic wrap and steep for about 30 minutes.
  3. Heat lavender infused half&half for 1 minute.
  4. Add the white chocolate chips, Rosewater and vanilla to the lavender infused half&half.
  5. Stir until smooth.  

 

Gypsy World Spice Cafe Recipe – Cinnamon-Rose Buttercream Filling

1 3/4 cups confectioners sugar
1/4 cup butter, softened
3 tablespoons milk
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon Rosewater
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup chopped pistachios (optional)

  1. In a medium bowl, combine confectioners sugar, butter, milk, ground cinnamon, Rosewater and  vanilla with a mixer.
  2. Beat for 1-2 minutes until very creamy. ( Add more milk if it consistency is too thick).
  3. Stir in chopped pistachios (optional)

Herb Focaccia Onion Serving

Herbed Focaccia with Onions

Leave a comment

This  past weekend I needed to make something to take to our neighborhood Halloween party.  It was Saturday morning and I had no clue what I was going to pull together.  Normally, I would have it all planned out…however, last week was more hectic than expected …so now I had to wing it with ingredients I already had in my pantry. 

It was really easy to make.   I made one for the party and one to put in my freezer.

To serve, I sliced up the focaccia into small squares and served with a store-bought black olive tapenade. 

Note:  This recipe is based on using stand mixer with a dough hook to knead the bread dough.  If you do not have one, knead by hand.

Enjoy!

 

 

Gypsy World Spice Cafe Recipe –  Herb Focaccia with Onions

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 3/4 cups whole wheat flour

1 packet instant yeast

2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon sugar

1 1/4 cups warm water

2 tablespoon olive oil, divided

3 teaspoons Corsican Herb Blend, divided

1 large onion, halved and sliced thinly

ground black pepper

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, 2 teaspoons of the Corsican Herb Blend, yeast, salt and sugar.  Stir to combine.
  2. Attach your mixing bowl to your mixer and place on low-speed. 
  3. While the mixer is mixing, slowly add the warm water and 1 tablespoon of the olive oil.
  4. Mix to combine ingredients then increase the speed to medium-high.  
  5. Mix until the dough is smooth.  This takes about 5-7 minutes depending on your mixer.
  6. Remove dough from mixing bowl and shape into a ball. 
  7. Spray another bowl lightly with cooking spray.
  8. Place the dough ball into the bowl and turn to coat. 
  9. Cover with plastic wrap and place in a warm location to rise (double in size – about 1 hour).
  10. While the dough is rising, saute your onions in 1 tablespoon of olive oil for about 30 minutes (until golden and soft).  Season onions with 1 teaspoon of Corsican Herb Blend and salt/pepper to taste.
  11. Set onions aside to cool.
  12. When dough has finished rising, shape dough into a rectangle on a lightly greased cookie sheet.
  13. Lightly brush with olive oil.  Loosely cover with plastic wrap.  Let rise for 30 minutes.
  14. Remove plastic wrap from dough.  Use fingers to press dough down (giving a dimpling effect).
  15. Top the dough with the sautéed onions.  Season with pepper to taste.
  16. Bake in a preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. 
  17. Transfer to a cooling rack and drizzle with olive oil.
  18. Cut up and serve warm or at room temperature.

Gypsy World Spice Cafe Blog – November 2010 News

Leave a comment

Now that Halloween is behind us, it’s time to plan for holiday cooking & baking.  There are so many places to go and people to see (along with that usually comes needing to find something to make and take).  

November 2010 articles will continue the focus on spices that are reminiscent of fall flavors along with some creative recipes that will  transition you into the holiday season.   As usual, there will be a few articles threaded in on how to utilize some unusual spices in your everyday cooking repertoire. 

If you haven’t already, be sure to subscribe to this blog by entering your email in the upper right corner or check out the GypsyWorldSpiceCafe.com Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/GypsyWorldSpiceCafeCom/148229988554988?v=wall.

Southwestern Slow Cooked Chicken with Black Beans

Leave a comment

Tonight was Taco Night at our house!

Here is another recipe where you take advantage of your slow cooker and just like the recipe I posted for Moroccan Inspired Chicken & Chick Pea Stew, this recipe also calls for frozen, boneless chicken breast.  

Frozen chicken breast will cook in your slow cooker perfectly (on low for 8 hours, on high for 4 hours)…  If you decide to use boneless chicken breast that is not frozen, the cooking time would be on low for 4 hours.

I love coming home after a busy day at work to have dinner already waiting for me.  The only thing that had to be done was to pull out the tortillas and fixings.  Our favorite fixings are salsa, sliced olives, cilantro, cucumbers and light sour cream.

Enjoy!
   

 

Gypsy World Spice Cafe Recipe – Southwestern Slow Cooked Chicken with Black Beans

2 lbs frozen, boneless chicken breasts
1 15-oz can of diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 15-oz can of tomato sauce
1 15-oz can of black beans , drained and rinsed
2 tablespoons Gypsy Zesty Spice Blend
1/2 bell pepper sliced thin
1/2 onion sliced thin
salt, sumac-pepper

  1. Spray your slow cooker with cooking spray.
  2. Empty canned diced tomatoes, tomato sauce and black beans into the slow cooker.
  3. Add both Gypsy Zesty Spice Blend to the tomato/black bean mixture.
  4. Season with salt and sumac-pepper to taste.
  5. Add the frozen, boneless chicken and make sure that all sides are coated with the tomato / black bean mixture.
  6. Top with onions and peppers
  7. Cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5  hours.
  8. Shred with 2 forks or tongs.
  9. Stir shredded chicken into the sauce and keep warm until it is time to eat.
  10. Serve with Taco Shells, Tortillas and Fixings.

Blogger’s Comments:

Gypsy Zesty Spice Blend consists of various Southwestern spices.   You can substitute your blend of spices (or a packet of store-bought low sodium taco seasoning).  If you do not have Sumac Pepper, substitute ground black peppercorns.

Recipe – Zaalouk – Spicy Eggplant Salad

Leave a comment

On a recent shopping expedition, the eggplant was on sale and this recipe came to mind.   I honestly do not know remember where I found the original recipe for this.   But, I do remember searching for it over ten years ago.  My husband and I used to enjoy going to a Moroccan restaurant in the Philadelphia area that served this and I wanted to learn to make it at home for him. 

This classic Moroccan dish is a great appetizer and over the years, I’ve adapted the recipe to our tastes.  It is another recipe for your collection that you can be creative with.  Switch out the vegetables for ones that are in season or are your favorites (like summer squash, zucchini, red onions or colorful bell peppers).  

The combinations are endless.  

Serve it warm or at room temperature with warm pita bread

Enjoy!

 

Zaaloouk – Spicy Eggplant Salad

1 1/2 pounds Eggplant, peeled and cubed

5 cloves Garlic, peeled

3 large Beefsteak Tomatoes (about 1 1/2 pounds)

4 tablespoons Olive Oil

2 tablespoons Red Wine vinegar

1/2 teaspoon Paprika

good pinch of Chili Powder  (depending on how much heat you like)

1 teaspoon Cumin

1 teaspoon Sumac Pepper

1 teaspoon Cinnamon (or Sweet Spice Blend)

Salt to taste

1/2 cup Flat-Leaf Parsley, chopped

  1. Boil the peeled and cubed eggplants with garlic in plenty of salted water, covered for 30 minutes (or until eggplant is very soft).
  2. Drain and chop the eggplants and garlic in a colander.
  3. Mash them with a fork, pressing all the water out.
  4. Put tomatoes into the emptied pan.
  5. Cook over low heat for about 20 minutes (or until reduced to a thin sauce).  Stir occasionally.
  6. Mix with the mashed eggplants and garlic.
  7. Add the remaining ingredients.
  8. Add salt & pepper to taste.

Recipe – Festive Fall Mini Cookie Cupcakes

Leave a comment

 

It has happened to all of us.   Your child comes home from school with a note that says that you need to send in some baked goods for the next day.   You think about what to make …and start searching  your pantry to see what you have to work with… 

After all, who wants to run out to the grocery store?  ….Especially after a busy day!

With all the Fall Parties at school this time a year, I developed the recipe just in case this happens…  My son and I were brainstorming some ideas.   They love helping with this blog project.  (Probably because they like eating the goodies..LOL)   Anyway, he asked if I could make a make a cookie that was crispy and chewy at the same time…  In my pantry I had a box of purchased cookie mix….  We were good to go…. The recipe we created resulted in mini-cupcakes that had a cookie top and a cupcake bottom.    He loved them and took them for snack every day last week. 

Enjoy!

 

 

Gypsy World Spice Cafe Recipe – Festive Fall Mini Cookie Cupcakes

Yields:  About 24 Mini Cookie Cupcakes

1 box Snickerdoodle Cookie Mix

1 large Egg

1 stick Butter, softened

2 tablespoons Cocoa Powder

3 teaspoons Cinnamon, divided

2 tablespoons Water

1/2 container Chocolate Fudge Frosting

1/4 teaspoon Vanilla

Festive Fall Sprinkles (optional)

  1. Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees.
  2. Line a mini muffin pan with liners.  
  3. Open the cookie mix up and set aside (or toss) the spice packet that came with the cookie mix.
  4. In a large bowl, mix the cookie mix, egg, butter, 2 teaspoons of cinnamon , cocoa powder and water until well blended.
  5. Fill muffin liners about 3/4 full.
  6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until done.  They will be dimpled on top.
  7. Let the mini cupcakes cool on a wire rack.
  8. Meanwhile, use a spatula to scoop out 1/2 container of pre-made chocolate fudge frosting into a small bowl.
  9. Stir in vanilla and remaining 1 teaspoon of vanilla.
  10. When cookie cupcakes are cool, top with frosting and sprinkles.

Celebrate Cinnamon!

Leave a comment

As we approach the holiday season, I thought this would be the perfect time to blog about the spice Cinnamon.   It is a popular ingredient in traditional recipes for Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas…  We sprinkle Cinnamon  on our oatmeal or applesauce and often use it as a staple ingredient for making pies, cookies and cakes.  There is a lot more that Cinnamon brings to the table…

How is Cinnamon Harvested?

Cinnamon is harvested from inner bark of Cinnamon trees which are native to South East Asia.  The inner bark is stripped of the wood portion.  Then during the drying process, the remaining portion of the inner bark strip curls into rolls, called “quills” (or “sticks”).   

What is the Difference Between Cinnamon and Cassia?

Cinnamon and Cassia are harvested from two different trees.  These two spices are similar in smell (Cassia is more aromatic than Cinnamon).  However, they are very different in both appearance and taste. The thickness of the Cassia quills are much thicker than that of the Cinnamon quills (which are paper-thin).  They are sometimes sold interchangeably, so, some countries even have laws to prevent Cassia from being sold labeled as Cinnamon.  

How should Cinnamon be Stored?

Cinnamon (ground and quills) need to be stored in an airtight container and placed in a dark location.   Buy Cinnamon in small quantities because it quickly will lose its flavor and aroma.  So, if you have had that container of Cinnamon in your spice cabinet for more than a few months — it is time to replace it.  

Cooking with Cinnamon

Cinnamon can be described as sweet, fragrant and aromatic.  It is often stereotyped as being only used in sweet recipes.  Most people  do not realize just how savvy Cinnamon can be.   It can be used for savory as well as sweet recipes.  Be sure to check out the savory recipe that I posted on 09/16/2010 for Moroccan Inspired Slow Cooked Chicken & Chick Pea Stew which uses a Spice Blend of mine that features the spice Cinnamon  (https://gypsyworldspicecafe.com/2010/09/16/recipe-slow-cooked-chicken-chick-pea-stew-with-minted-couscous/).

  • Cinnamon quills (sticks) should be used when you want to infuse liquid with Cinnamon flavor.
  • Cinnamon powder is used with other ingredients to flavor baked goods, spice blends, and beverages.

Here are some ways you can easily add Cinnamon to your everyday cooking:

  • Add to hot oatmeal or cold cereal
  • Mix with peanut butter
  • Add to warm milk with honey.
  • Stir into plain yogurt.
  • Sprinkle over sweet potatoes.
  • Add to your post-workout shake.
  • Add to coffee grinds before brewing

Health Benefits of Cinnamon

Recently, cinnamon has had more attention due to all the health benefits that can be gained by incorporating Cinnamon into your diet.   Below I’ve listed some topics that I read about.   There is a lot of great information and articles out there…if you want to google and read more about them.

  • Aid in Digestion
  • Treat toothaches
  • Fight Common Cold and Sore Throat
  • Fight Bad Breath
  • Antioxidant & Antimicrobial properties
  • Increase Alertness.

 

Gypsy World Spice Cafe Recipe – Spiced Pumpkin Soup

15 oz can Pumpkin Puree
14 oz can Chicken Stock
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
1 teaspoon Cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon Nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon Corsican Herb Blend
1/8-1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
1/2 teaspoon Sumac Pepper
Splenda (or Sugar) to taste
Salt to taste

  1. In a large saucepan, bring all ingredients to a boil.   Simmer for 5 minutes.  
  2. Serve in mugs warm or chilled garnished with chopped chives.

 Blogger’s Comments:   

This is a really healthy and easy recipe to pull together to serve as a starter or at lunch with grilled sandwiches.  The Cinnamon and Cayenne combination is really scrumptious.  Each serving is about 50 calories, so it is a great snack too!

Corsican Herb Blend is a mixture of herbs frequently used in Corsican cooking.  You can substitute Thyme.  Sumac Pepper is a blend of Sumac and ground black pepper.  You can substitute black pepper or lemon pepper.

  

Gypsy World Spice Cafe Recipe – Cinnamon Sangria Hot Toddy

4 Apple Cider Tea Bag
4 cups water
2 cinnamon sticks
4 oz red wine
apple slices
ground cinnamon (to garnish)

  1. In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil.
  2. Add Apple Cider Tea Bags and Cinnamon sticks to the boiling water.
  3. Steep for 5 minutes.
  4. Remove Tea Bags and Cinnamon sticks.  
  5. Add wine to the brewed tea.
  6. Pour into 4 mugs.  Garnish with apple slices and sprinkle with ground cinnamon and a cinnamon stick if want.

Blogger’s Comments:   

I could not decide on whether to post a recipe on Mulled Wine or Mulled Apple Cider.  This recipe is a result of the decision to combine what I liked about both.   It is good warm or chilled.  

Another variation would be to use 3 ounces of wine and 1 ounce or orange flavored vodka (to get some citrus flavor into the mix).  There are plenty of combinations to try by switching out the type of tea, vodka or wine. 

Have fun with it!

 

Cookbook Recipe – Chocolate Snickerdoodle Cookies

1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour (minus 2 tablespoons)
2 tablespoons unsweetened dark cocoa
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter, at room temperature
1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon cinnamon

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
  2. Combine flour, nutmeg, baking powder, cocoa and salt.  Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, cream butter with 1/3 cup of sugar until pale in color.
  4. Beat in egg and vanilla.
  5. Stir in dry ingredients until you have a smooth mixture.
  6. On a plate, mix together the cinnamon and remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar.
  7. Roll dough to balls that are about the size of walnuts.  
  8. Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture and place onto greased baking pan.
  9. Bake for about 15 minutes.  Rest on baking sheet for 1 minute then transfer to a wire rack to cool.

Source:  How To Be A Domestic Goddess by Nigella Lawson  

Blogger’s Comments:   

First and foremost, if you do not have this cookbook, it is one you should have. The recipes are great.  However, I do have to say that I almost chose to not include this recipe with this blog article.   Snickerdoodle cookies tend to be a dry cookie and this cookie is not very sweet. Typically, if I am going to indulge in a cookie, it has to be worth the calories.   At the urging of my taster’s I decided to include the recipe because they really liked it.  They also tend to like the butter cookies that are dry (like Snowballs).  So, if you like that sort of cookie, you will like this one too.

Also, want to note here that I decided to flatten each cookie with a glass before baking.

Taster’s Comments:    They tasted even better the next day.  

Look out for mini-articles which will be posted over the next few weeks featuring Cinnamon.

Hope you try some of these recipes and enjoy them as much as we did.

Enjoy!