Spice Mixes for Christmas Gifts

angeldaisy

I'm going to make some spice mixes up for christmas presents. This family are coeliacs so I thought doing something that they could use to liven up their food.

Does anyone have any suggestions for nice ones they could use?

Dial Hard

angeldaisy wrote: »

I'm going to make some spice mixes up for christmas presents. This family are coeliacs so I thought doing something that they could use to liven up their food.

Does anyone have any suggestions for nice ones they could use?

Yeah, I often make Ras el Hanout to give as a gift, it's a Moroccan spice mix. There are as many versions out there as their are spices but after a bit of experimentation, this is my "perfected" version.

4 tsp coriander seeds
3 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp fennel seeds
1 tsp black peppercorns
1 tsp cardamom seeds (not the whole pods, the seeds from inside)
2 tsp turmeric
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp cayenne pepper
Pinch salt

1. Stick all the seeds and the peppercorns into a dry pan and toast over a high heat until they're just beginning to "pop". This will happen incredibly fast, so don't even attempt to leave the room or you'll burn the arse out of your pan and all your lovely spices.

2. Tip into a pestle & mortar and grind to powder. Add the powdered spices and the salt and mix well. Store in a clean glass jar in a cool, dry place, and it'll keep for a good three months before it starts to lose its potency.

GrahamThomas

I've made a Cajun spice mix before:

2tbsp cayenne pepper
1tbsp paprika (smoked)
1 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp salt
1tbsp of black pepper and 1tbsp of white pepper
1tbsp of cumin
and 1tbsp of oregano