Pantry Staples
Sunday, 10 March 2019
My first memories of coconut oil is when we were really young and mum used to apply it to our hair immediately the braids were off so we can go off to the salon. There was no need for our hairs to be straightened out or blow dried because the coconut oil was instant in softening the hair for it to be combed. Us and our kinky hair needed that coconut oil on our hairs lest it be hell! combing it out. Fast forward to now and I know about coconut oil for cooking with. So far mu most used coconut products are coconut cream, coconut milk and desiccated coconut. I love the taste, flavor and aroma of coconut in food. I have used coconut in my rice dish, I have made coconut french toast that was totally delish! Coconut oil has plenty of benefits that you will be glad you have been using it or if you have not then welcome onboard.
Monday, 4 March 2019
As you all know I love spices, both savoury and sweet. They just give food that EXTRA! vibe. Whether is is sweet dessert or spicy curries, you will never go wrong when it comes to adding them to your dishes. My spice for the week is Pilau Masala Whole spice mix. This spice mix contains cumin seeds, black pepper, cinnamon sticks, cardamom and cloves. Using whole spices adds that authentic natural aroma and taste. When using whole spices you can ground them in a mortar or electric grinder. I like using them whole especially when making Korma. I have cooked pilau with ground spices so this month look forward to a whole spice pilau affair.
Friday, 1 March 2019
Happy New Month Loves! Let's kick of this month with one of my favorite ingredients I use in the kitchen many times. Eggs! I love eggs, if I could I would eat everyday which really is not recommended by nutritionists or dieticians. Every other day is cool though. I have cooked with eggs very many times, whether it is on their own like my tomato scrambled eggs and bacon cilantro scrambled eggs, my ugandan rolex which had fried eggs and used the eggs in pancakes or even baked goods. I just realized I haven't cooked with boiled eggs, coming soon later on this month. Eggs are the most nutritious good since they contain so many essential nutrients like Vitamin A B2 B5 B6 B12 E, Calcium and Zinc. They contain anti oxidants that help prevent mascular degenaration and cataracts. The high protein in eggs helps reduce calorie intake in the day because they are satiating.
Sunday, 3 February 2019
Making your own spice mixes is the best decision you can ever make for yourself and your family. Homemade is the best because you know what exactly you have in the mix and to what quantities you like. Pumpkin spice mix is a mixture of some of the warm spices that are readily available anywhere in the market. Spices bring life and flavor to food, whether you are using a single spice or mixing it up to ump the flavor and intensity, spices should be an integral part of your pantry. Spices not only add these wonderful memory invoking taste, they are healthy as well, and combining the spices gives you the added benefit of getting the most out of the nutrients the spices provide. It really takes few second to make this awesome spice blend and will keep for several weeks if you do not use it regularly. Use pumpkin spice mix for several recipes like pumpkin pie, pumpkin latee or even to flavour teas. I love how fragrant and warm this mix is, gives you the feeling of seeping a warm cuppa tea, legs crossed over your sofa on a dreary rainy day, so comforting.
Wednesday, 2 January 2019
Salmon is the common name for
several species of ray-finned fish in the family Salmonidae. Other fish in the
same family include trout, char, grayling and whitefish. There are different
types of salmon including Atlantic salmon, Chinook salmon, Chum salmon, Coho
salmon, Masu salmon or cherry salmon, Pink salmon and Sockeye salmon.
Tuesday, 1 January 2019
The poblano is a mild chili pepper originating in the state
of Puebla, Mexico. Dried, it is called ancho or chile ancho, from the Spanish
word ancho ("wide"). Stuffed fresh and roasted it is popular in
chiles rellenos poblanos. While poblanos tend to have a mild flavor,
occasionally and unpredictably they can have significant heat. Different
peppers from the same plant have been reported to vary substantially in heat
intensity. The ripened red poblano is significantly hotter and more flavorful
than the less ripe, green poblano. Preparation
methods include: dried, stuffed, in mole sauces, or coated in whipped egg
(capeado) and fried. After being roasted and peeled (which improves the texture
by removing the waxy skin), poblano peppers are preserved by either canning or
freezing.
Sunday, 30 December 2018
Sesame oil is fragrant with a nutty flavour, best used to make Asian stir fries
Making your own herb rub is the best feeling in the world! I mean, apart from having your own quantity you have the herb rub fresh. Plus the added advantage of smelling the sweet aroma as the spices meld together while blending. So far my best homemade rub I have made so far.
Herbs enhance the flavor of food, make it aromatic and give it that lovely delicious bite.
This dry herb rub is the best thing to happen to my meat dishes. Herb rubs usually combine dried herbs, spice and even sweet elements like brown sugar. In this garlic herb rub I used garlic powder but you can mince the garlic and mix into the other herbs.
Friday, 30 November 2018
Tiny but mighty, flax seeds have been praised for centuries for their incredible health benefits and versatility in everyday cooking. These small, brown or golden seeds may not look like much at first glance, but they pack a powerful punch when it comes to nutrition. Whether you're sprinkling them on your smoothie bowl, baking them into muffins, or mixing them into your morning oatmeal, flax seeds are one of the easiest ways to add a healthy boost to your meals.
Wednesday, 28 November 2018
Bold, warm, and unmistakably sharp, black pepper is far more than just a table condiment. As our Spice of the Week, this humble pantry staple deserves the spotlight for its rich history, powerful health benefits, and ability to enhance nearly every savory dish. Whether you’re seasoning a soup, rub, or roast, ground black pepper brings depth, heat, and balance to your culinary creations. Don’t underestimate the power of this kitchen staple. Black pepper, often dubbed the “king of spices,” is not only one of the most widely used spices in the world but also one of the oldest. Found in nearly every kitchen and on almost every dining table, this humble black granule is far more than a simple seasoning, it’s a spice with a rich history, remarkable health benefits, and unmatched culinary versatility. This week, we shine the spotlight on ground black pepper and why it deserves all the hype.
Tuesday, 27 November 2018
Discover why chickpeas are the perfect grain of the week! Packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, plus easy recipes to enjoy their versatile flavor. Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are a powerhouse grain that deserves the spotlight as our Grain of the Week. Rich in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, chickpeas support digestion, heart health, and sustained energy. Their nutty flavor and satisfying texture make them a versatile ingredient perfect for salads, stews, hummus, and more. Whether you're a seasoned cook or new to plant-based eating, chickpeas are a delicious way to boost your meals with wholesome nutrition.
Friday, 16 November 2018
This week’s spotlight herb is Oregano, a bold, aromatic staple in Mediterranean and Mexican cooking. Known for its slightly peppery, earthy flavor with a hint of bitterness, oregano adds depth to everything from pizza sauce and marinades to grilled meats and stews. Beyond its culinary versatility, oregano is rich in antioxidants and offers antimicrobial properties, making it a powerhouse in both the kitchen and natural wellness circles. Whether you use it fresh or dried, oregano is a must-have herb that transforms simple dishes into savory delights. Good-quality
oregano may be strong enough almost to numb the tongue, but cultivars adapted
to colder climates may have a lesser flavor. Often referred to as the “pizza herb,” oregano is far more versatile than its nickname suggests. With its earthy, slightly bitter, and robust taste, oregano adds depth to dishes and offers a range of health benefits that earn it a well-deserved spot in your pantry and herb garden.
Saturday, 10 November 2018
This week’s featured spice is Garam Masala, a fragrant and flavorful blend that lies at the heart of Indian cooking. Made from warming spices like cumin, coriander, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves, garam masala brings depth and complexity to curries, stews, rice, and even snacks. Its name means “hot spice,” but it refers to the warmth it adds, not the heat. Beyond its culinary appeal, garam masala is believed to aid digestion and boost metabolism. Whether store-bought or homemade, just a pinch can transform your dish from simple to sensational. Garam masala is a fragrant and warming spice blend that holds a special place in South Asian cooking, particularly in Indian cuisine. The name itself comes from the Hindi words “garam,” meaning hot, and “masala,” meaning spice mix. However, the “heat” here doesn’t refer to spiciness but rather to the warming qualities these spices bring to the body. In Ayurvedic tradition, garam masala is believed to help stimulate digestion and improve metabolism, making it a flavorful and healthful addition to many dishes.
Wednesday, 7 November 2018
Elevate your Mexican dishes with this easy Taco Seasoning Spice Mix that you can make at home in minutes. Combining classic spices like chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and oregano, this versatile blend adds authentic flavor to tacos, fajitas, burritos, and more. Skip the store-bought packets filled with preservatives and customize your seasoning to taste, mild, spicy, or smoky. Whether you’re cooking beef, chicken, veggies, or beans, this DIY taco seasoning is a must-have pantry staple.
Thursday, 6 September 2018
Add a burst of citrus and warmth with orange spiced simple syrup. Easy to make and ideal for cocktails, teas, and desserts. Orange Spiced Simple Syrup is a vibrant and aromatic syrup that brings the perfect balance of citrusy brightness and cozy spice to your drinks and desserts. Made with fresh orange zest, cinnamon, cloves, and sugar, this syrup is easy to prepare and a fantastic addition to cocktails, iced teas, lemonades, or even drizzled over pancakes and desserts. Elevate your beverage game with this homemade syrup that’s bursting with flavor and warmth.
Monday, 3 September 2018
The burst of flavours that come from this chutney are just out of this world! Chutney is uaually a condiment that originated from India, specifically East India and comes from the word "chatni" which means strongly spiced. Chutneys usually consist of a mix of vinegar, sugar, chopped fruit and spices and are traditionally served with curried foods. There are so many different ways of making chutney. When it comes to spices you can use cardamom, ginger, all spice, cinnamon, nutmeg and even cloves. For the fruits you can use raisins, peaches, mango, apricot, tamarind and even most citrus fruits would work well. Herbs that you can add to chutneys include coriander and even mint. All these wonderful combinations of tart, sweet flavours and a touch of aromatic spice really compliments strongly flavoured dishes especially meat. Serve the chutney as a side to accompany curries, meats one even breakfast options.
Saturday, 17 March 2018
Garlic might be small, but it is one of the most powerful and celebrated ingredients in kitchens around the world. Used in cuisines from Asia to Europe and everywhere in between, garlic brings a sharp, pungent aroma and a depth of flavor that transforms even the simplest dishes into something truly satisfying. Whether roasted, minced, sautéed, or crushed, garlic has a way of infusing food with rich, savory warmth that is hard to replicate.
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