Pakhlava

Did you know that we are one of the few spice shops in the U.S. that carry Georgian spice blends? We love our Georgian blends, and Georgian food is so delicious! We are thrilled to feature a recipe from Olia Hercules' cookbook Kaukasis: A Culinary Journey through Georgia, and continue to revisit these amazing recipes. Full of stunning photographs evocative of the region, this book is a celebration, weaving personal narratives and recipes for a little known cuisine that combines European and Middle Eastern ingredients in ways that are fresh, new, and totally unexpected. Olia Hercules will take you on a culinary journey unlike any other. If you liked Mamushka, her Ukranian cookbook, you will love this book.From the author: "Pakhlava is a festive dish made for Novruz, the traditional celebration of the coming of spring in Azerbaijan, but it’s rarely prepared at home, since nuts are expensive and making thin pastry is rather laborious. However, it is a gorgeous thing, and if you like baking and making something new, this is a great way to spend an afternoon, especially if you are cooking with your loved ones. The recipe makes enough to last you a couple of weeks and to package up into gift boxes for friends and family."

Learn more

Khingal

We are so excited to feature another recipe from Olia Hercules' wonderful Georgian cookbook, Kaukasis: A Culinary Journey through Georgia, Azerbaijan and Beyond! Full of stunning photographs evocative of the region, this book is a celebration, weaving personal narratives and recipes for a little known cuisine that combines European and Middle Eastern ingredients in ways that are fresh, new, and totally unexpected. Olia Hercules will take you on a culinary journey unlike any other. If you liked her Ukranian cookbook Mamushka, you will love this book.From the author: "We often perceive comfort food as something lovely yet also a little bland, unassuming. It may not blow our minds with flavour, but it gives us that feeling of safe satiety. When I tried khingal in the Azerbaijan capital Baku, it was a complete revelation to me. It did all those things that comfort food does, except it also made my eyes widen as my mouth was filled with firm pasta, crispy aromatic lamb and milky, but also oh so fresh, sauce. And then there is the butter. Pasta, spice, butter, crispy meat bits, yogurt, herbs – this dish has every single component that makes me feel safe and yet also titillates my senses, what I imagine a perfect marriage may be like."

Learn more

Cheddar Cheese Coins

Appetizers aren't just for parties and gatherings. Whether you just want some snacks for watching tv or something to nibble on while catching up on that novel, this is the cookbook for you. The experts at Cook's Illustrated have put together 75 "only the best" appetizer recipes to help you find something for any time of the year. All-Time Best Appetizers Cookbook makes it easy to create a spread with everything from things that can be dipped, spread, eaten by the handful or two-bite treats. These Cheddar Cheese Coins, as well as their different variations, would be perfect for a wine and cheese plate or...just to snack on. From the authors: "Why this recipe works - When it comes to homemade crackers, you need a recipe that's easy, versatile, and packs a huge flavor punch. We wanted to come up with a simple, foolproof version that would be cheesy, buttery, and just a little spicy. We started with a full 8 ounces of cheese and a touch of salt, cayenne, and paprika. We used the food processor to combine the dry ingredients and the shredded cheese, which helped to keep the coins tender by limiting the handling of the dough. Adding a little cornstarch with the flour further ensured that the coins baked up flaky and buttery. We processed the dry ingredients with chilled butter until the mixture resembled wet sand, added water, and processed until the dough came together. Next, we rolled the dough into logs, refrigerated them until firm, and then sliced them into thin coins before baking until lightly golden and perfectly crisp. With this simple technique, it's easy to vary the cheese and flavorings used to suit any taste."

Learn more

African Peanut Soup with Grains of Paradise

This West African soup recipe combines sweet potatoes and peanut butter with Grains of Paradise. The flavors balance beautifully and are a wonderful showcase for this exotic spice. This mythical African spice has a mild peppery taste with floral top notes that hint at ginger and cardamom. The soup is creamy, mild and not at all heavy, making it a wonderful starter or side. Looking to make a meal? Check out our other African recipes for something to pair it with!

Learn more

Bulgogi Beef Stir Fry

This Bulgogi Beef Stir Fry draws inspiration from the classic Korean dish. Bulgogi, meaning "fire meat," is a grilled dish that mellows heat with sweet to please just about any palate. Traditionally served alongside a range of pickled condiments for Korean BBQ, it translates well to the wok and is delicious on a bed of rice and stir fried vegetables.

Learn more

Cascade Mushroom Mash

These amazing mushroom mashed potatoes are our latest secret ingredient revelation! Infused with Cascade Mushroom Mix, the addition of just one seasoning takes these mashed potatoes from super to spectacular. It's easy, too! Just sprinkle the Cascade Mushroom Mix into the butter as it is melting, and the flavor distributes into every bite. Use the mix in your favorite recipe or try ours. Whether you like your potatoes chunky or whipped, russett or Yukon Gold, this seasoning twist will leave everyone wondering what made these mashed potatoes so special. They are a perfect side dish for the holiday table.

Learn more

Warm Winter Sangria

Spiced wine? Mulled cider? We say "choose both" with this Warm Winter Sangria. Mulled wine alone can be too harsh, and mulled cider too sweet. Put them together with a touch of honey and orange, and the drink comes out just right.Choose a full bodied wine whose shelf-talker boasts of black or red cherry flavors that will complement the mulling spice, but with a price that won't break the bank. Mid-shelf Pinot Noir or Cabernet are good choices, and an unfiltered and unsweetened cider is the perfect complement. We were lucky enough to have one straight out of the press and it made this Warm Winter Sangria all the more flavorful. Don't forget the Mulling Spice!

Learn more

Gingerbread

This is a stout gingerbread. Literally! Rich molasses and stout beer perfectly complement the ginger and aromatic spices in this moist, delicious gingerbread. Our Gingerbread Spice is a powerhouse of flavor with ginger, allspice and Vietnamese cinnamon alongside a generous measure of clove and black pepper. This easy gingerbread travels well to a holiday gathering and will keep you warm for the holiday season alongside a cup of mulled wine or a toddy.

Learn more

Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

Pumpkin snickerdoodles are a delicious seasonal twist on a classic favorite! Pumpkin season in full swing, with all kinds of amazing spice combinations! These happy little cookies pair pumpkin with Ras el Hanout, one of our favorite "secret ingredients". The blend is an unexpected twist on traditional pumpkin spice selections. It combines just enough cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger and allspice to hit the fall warm and cozy flavor profile, with some floral swirls and peppery peaks to make it unique!

Learn more