The end of the year marks the holiday season, and that means lots of holiday baking and cooking. Cue the charcuterie boards, holiday classics, and holiday hors d’oeuvres. Do not forget the holiday desserts paired with a piping hot cup of tea.
With all of that holiday baking and cooking, you may be wondering how to add an extra layer of flavor to your recipes that will have guests coming back for seconds. Here is a guide to all of the seasonings and spices to use in all of your fall, winter, and holiday recipes.
Allspice
Allspice is a dried unripe fruit, but includes three main spices: cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Available in ground or whole, allspice complements roasted vegetables like carrots and goes great with homemade stews. Allspice pairs perfectly with all of those fall recipes you are preparing for the holidays. Tip: If you do not have allspice on hand, simply combine 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon cloves, and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg. Viola! Allspice. Photo credit: Rawf8
Black Pepper
Black pepper may seem pretty basic and boring, but on the contrary, black pepper is anything but bland. It adds a subtle touch of heat to all of those holiday recipes and can be used on almost anything, including grains, meats, and vegetables. Photo credit: sanse293
Cardamom
Cardamom is an aromatic, warming spice that is most flavorful in baked goods like gingerbread and shortbread. Used most frequently in Indian cuisines, cardamom pairs well with cinnamon, chocolate, and cloves. If you plan on setting up a holiday hot chocolate bar, consider adding cardamom as an option. A small pinch should do it. Cardamom hot chocolate, anyone? Photo credit: rostovtsevayulia
Cinnamon
With a mildly sweet flavor, cinnamon is a great addition to baked goods like coffee cakes, cookies, and crumbles. Cinnamon can be paired with holiday curries, meats, and stews. Cinnamon is also a great addition to holiday breakfast or brunch items like a hot bowl of oatmeal, a stack of pancakes, or a plate of waffles. When used in cooking, cinnamon can also hold some heat, so use a small amount to add some additional depth, taste, and warmth to all of those holiday dishes. Photo credit: ligora
Cloves
Cloves add a rich, full-bodied flavor to any dish. They pair well with an array of foods, including chocolate, fruit, and sweet breads. Cloves also go great with vegetables like roasted carrots, onions, and potatoes. Yum! Photo credit: ramonageorgescu
Cumin
Cumin is a spice that can be used any time of year, but is most enjoyed during the fall and winter seasons. This is because cumin adds a bold and distinct flavor to recipes like homemade chilis, soups, and stews. Photo credit: DipakShelare
Ginger
Ginger is a flowering plant whose root, ginger, is used as a popular spice. Used around the world as a warm baking spice, ginger provides a well-balanced combination of spicy and sweet flavors. Easily incorporated into baked goods (hello gingerbread), ginger can also be added to curries, hot teas, seafood, and stir-fries. It also particularly pairs well with another flavor - garlic. Photo credit: Aekprachaya Ayuyuen
Nutmeg
Nutmeg’s spicy and sweet flavor enhances baked goods like pies, sauces, and vegetables such as roasted squash. Although nutmeg can be purchased whole or ground, it is best enjoyed when freshly grated, which gives an added touch of warmth to any holiday dish. Photo credit: oksix
Pumpkin Pie Spice
Pumpkin spice is a popular spice used from October to December. A blend of allspice, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, mace, and nutmeg, pumpkin pie spice pairs well with baked goods like bread, cookies, muffins, and, of course, pie. A slice of pumpkin pie, anyone?
If you find yourself in a holiday pinch and do not have pumpkin pie spice on hand, simply combine ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon + ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger + ⅛ teaspoon of ground nutmeg + ⅛ teaspoon of ground cloves or allspice. Photo credit: bhofack2
Star Anise
Star anise gives a subtle hint of licorice flavor to baked goods and braised meats, but it can also be incorporated into sauces, soups, and stews. Star anise pairs well with another warming spice, cinnamon. Photo credit: kerdkanno
The holidays are a great time to make old classics and try new ones with a fun and mindful twist, but one of the best ways to season up the holidays is with some delicious seasonings and spices. Whether you are baking up a gingerbread house or serving up mugs of hot chocolate, these ten seasonings and spices are sure to add some cheer to your holiday recipes. Happy holidays, everyone!
- Stay Healthy and Happy
Check out @mostlyplantbasedfoods or view our CEO at @itsnolasnacks as she shares recipes via video each month on It’s Nola Reels. Do not worry, even if you are not Vegan, you will still enjoy these dishes. Be sure to tag us @itsnolasnacks so we can see how you use these seasonings and spices in your very own holiday recipes.
