Sultry Spiced Short Ribs

Slow cooked short ribs are the perfect vehicle for spices, and these spiced short ribs have a secret ingredient. A milder cousin of the better known variety, Black Cardamom Pod has a deep smoky, earthy flavor profile. It pairs perfectly with the sweetness of Star Anise, and the piquant flavors of cinnamon and peppercorns to give these short ribs a sultry and mysterious flavor.

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Cardamom Pear Upside-Down Cake

This ultra moist cardamom pear cake is rich and delicious, with almond flour and coconut oil forming the base. The cardamom and a hint of ginger complement the pears, and when you bring all these layers of flavor and texture together the result is a fantastic dessert you don't have to feel bad about eating!

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Yucatan Rojo Pulled Pork

The classic flavors of the Yucatan shine in this easy slow cooker sensation. In this Yucatan Rojo BBQ Rub pulled pork, bright citrus and earthy spices infuse every bite. The pull-apart tender meat is delicious in a variety of ways, too. Use it as a taco filling alongside a crunchy cabbage slaw or piled high on a bun for sandwiches or sliders.

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Chicken Vindaloo

Many of us grew up having grandmothers who were wonderful cooks, so we were happy to find this cookbook full of grandmotherly love. In Her Kitchen: Stories and Recipes from Grandmas Around the World, is a memorable compendium of portraits featuring grandmothers around the world alongside their signature family recipes. This chicken vindaloo recipe comes to the book, and to us, courtesy of Grace Estibero, 82, who grew up in the South Indian state of Goa. If you love a good spicy dish, this one is absolutely delicious!From the Author: "Typical of Indian cooking, chicken vindaloo is a hot dish, which was originally introduced to Goa by the Portuguese. Often served on special occasions, this dish is traditionally prepared with pork, but I am sure you will be fully satisfied with this chicken version."

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Dukkah Scones

I love reinventing the scone with new flavors, especially savory ones. Dukkah is an exotic spice blend, traditionally used as a dip for bread with olive oil. In these scones, it adds just a hint of hazelnut and a bold boost of cumin and coriander, plus some herbal accents. Fresh dill and shaved parmesan round out the flavor profile, with a touch of flaky salt on top. These hearty Dukkah scones are wonderful for brunch, snacking or in a weekday lunch box.

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Szechuan Compound Butter

This delicious Szechuan compound butter neatly captures the elusive flavor of Szechuan pepper. The mild peppery bite is in perfect balance, and the tingly aftertaste lingers in the most pleasant way. A hint of lemon and scallion completes the flavor profile.We enjoyed a generous dollop on a couple of New York steaks with a simple green salad on the side, and the Szechuan sensation was the highlight of the meal. This compound butter would also be delicious on seafood, chicken, or grilled vegetables.

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Szechuan Lemon Curd

We are always game to try an adventurous spice pairing, and this one came out a winner! Lemon curd is a delightful decadence, sweet-tart and intense, and made even more exceptional with a fresh zing of Szechuan pepper. In this Szechuan lemon curd, the tingle lingers on the palate after the burst of citrus flavor fades and the combination is intensely satisfying. Try it on shortbread or scones at tea time or over ice cream.There are loads of different methods for making lemon curd, but we chose this simple recipe from One Hungry Mama and barely adapted it by changing the spice. We were thrilled with the results, and you will be, too. An easy, no-fuss technique, the curd came out perfect with each round of testing. Of course we had to make it several times........

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Za'atar Lamb Chops

This simple recipe is quick and flavorful. The classic combination of Green Za'atar and lamb is always a winner, and we've also paired both fresh and dried herbs in the marinade for maximum flavor. Oregano was the fresh herb of choice for this version, but rosemary, marjoram or a mixture would also be wonderful. Pick your favorite!

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South Asian Coconut Butter

If you love sauces, and want to try something new, check out Mastering Sauces by Susan Volland. This book is full of inspired and delicious sauces like this coconut "butter," using classic South Asian flavors like Turmeric and Brown Mustard Seed to add a little zing to coconut oil. From the Author: "In South India, coconut oil is the cooking oil of choice. Many dishes are garnished with a drizzle of coconut oil, popped black mustard seeds, crispy fried curry leaves, and frizzled small red onions. I like to stir these wonderful ingredients together like a compound butter and spread or melt it on various foods as the whim strikes: on savory pancakes, pilafs, or grilled whole fish."

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