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Sweet Spices

October 16, 2023
9 min. read

As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, we embark on a flavorful journey through the world of spices. Welcome to our two-part series on spices, where we’ll first delve into the comforting realm of sweet spices before turning up the heat with “scary spices” in our next installment.

Sweet spices, with their warm and aromatic profiles, are the heart of the fall season. They evoke memories of cozy evenings, festive gatherings, and the delightful aroma of baked goods wafting through the air. Among the symphony of sweet spices, we find the likes of cinnamon, with its fragrant warmth; nutmeg, offering an earthy sweetness; ginger, zesty and invigorating; and cloves, with their intense aroma. These spices are often labeled as “sweet” not because they contain inherent sugars, but because their aromatic profiles complement sweet dishes, enhancing flavors and adding depth. Their warmth and richness make them perfect companions for desserts, baked goods, and cold-weather beverages.

As we journey deeper into the world of sweet spices, we’ll explore their individual profiles, discover blends that have become staples in our kitchens, and indulge in recipes that showcase their versatility. So, let’s dive in and savor the sweet symphony of these beloved spices!

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A List of Sweet Spices:

  • Allspice: A single spice that encapsulates the flavors of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
  • Cardamom: Sweet and spicy with hints of lemon and mint.
  • Cinnamon: A fragrant bark that adds warmth and sweetness.
  • Cloves: Intensely aromatic with a warm, sweet flavor.
  • Fennel Seed: Slightly sweet with a licorice-like aroma.
  • Ginger: Spicy and zesty, often used to add a kick to sweet dishes.
  • Mace: A delicate spice with a flavor similar to nutmeg but with a softer, lighter touch.
  • Nutmeg: Earthy and slightly sweet, with a hint of nuttiness.
  • Star Anise: Licorice-like flavor with sweet and spicy undertones.

Sweet Seasoning Blends:

  • Pumpkin Pie Spice: Synonymous with fall festivities and comforting treats, Pumpkin Pie Spice is a warm blend that usually features cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. This mixture is the secret behind the iconic pumpkin pie’s flavor, but its versatility extends to lattes, breads, and other pumpkin-infused delights. Its aromatic profile evokes memories of Thanksgiving feasts and crisp autumn mornings.
  • Apple Pie Spice: A sweet and aromatic blend reminiscent of classic American desserts, Apple Pie Spice typically combines cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. These spices work harmoniously to enhance the natural sweetness and tartness of apples in pies, crisps, and other baked goods. The blend captures the essence of cozy autumn days and is often used to flavor a variety of desserts beyond just apple pie.
  • Chinese 5 Spice: A fusion of five aromatic spices, Chinese 5 Spice adds depth and complexity to both sweet and savory dishes. It is a balanced blend that encompasses the five primary flavors of sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and umami. The blend typically includes star anise, cloves, Chinese cinnamon (or cassia), Sichuan (or Chinese) peppercorns, and fennel seeds. It is used in a variety of dishes, from roasted meats to stir-fries, imparting a deep and complex flavor profile that’s both warm and slightly sweet.
  • Garam Masala: Originating from the Indian subcontinent, Garam Masala is a warming and aromatic blend of spices that typically includes cumin, coriander, cardamom, black pepper, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. The term “garam” means “hot” in Hindi, referring not to spiciness but to the warmth the spices provide. Used in a variety of dishes, from curries to rice, Garam Masala adds depth and complexity with its rich and fragrant profile.
  • Ras el Hanout: Hailing from North Africa, Ras el Hanout is a vibrant and flavorful spice blend whose name translates to “head of the shop” in Arabic, implying it is the best mixture a spice merchant offers. The blend can consist of over a dozen spices, including cumin, ginger, turmeric, saffron, cinnamon, coriander, cardamom, and rose petals. It’s a cornerstone of Moroccan cuisine, imparting a warm and earthy flavor to dishes like tagines and couscous.

 

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Make Your Own: Pumpkin Pie Spice

This sweet spice blend features cinnamon as the main star with supporting characters of nutmeg, ginger, all spice, and cloves. Want to learn how to make this iconic spice blend at home? Mix up a batch of the below recipe, then use it to create one of our featured dishes!

How to Make Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice

Ingredients:

  • 3 tbsp. ground cinnamon
  • 2 tsp. ground ginger
  • 2 tsp. ground nutmeg
  • 1 ½ tsp. ground cloves
  • 1 ½ tsp. ground allspice

Instructions:

  1. Mix all ingredients together and store in an airtight container for up to one year.

Featured Recipe: Pumpkin Spice Pull-Apart French Toast

Dive into a delightful breakfast treat made with Martin’s Sweet Party Potato Rolls soaked in a creamy mixture of egg yolk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a generous sprinkle of cinnamon. The rolls are then layered with a luscious pumpkin spice filling, combining cream cheese, pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, brown sugar, and honey. The pumpkin spice filling not only adds character but also infuses the dish with the quintessential flavors of fall, making every bite a celebration of the season. Finish it off with a quick cream cheese glaze and enjoy!

 

More Pumpkin Spice Recipes

  • Pumpkin Spice Latte: Warm up with this iconic fall beverage, infused with the aromatic flavors of pumpkin pie spice.
  • Pumpkin Spice French Toast: A classic breakfast dish with a seasonal twist, capturing the warmth of pumpkin pie in every bite.
  • Pumpkin Spice Cauliflower Bake: A savory twist on pumpkin spice, this cheesy cauliflower bake is a delightful blend of flavors perfect for a cozy fall dinner.
  • Mini Pumpkin Pies: Bite-sized delights that encapsulate the essence of fall, with a rich pumpkin filling and a hint of sweet spice.
  • Sweet Potato Pie Bars: A fusion of sweet potato and pumpkin spice, these bars are a treat for the senses.
  • Holiday Spice Bread Pudding: A festive dessert that combines the richness of bread pudding with the warmth of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.

 

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Make Your Own: Apple Pie Spice

Apple pie spice is very similar to pumpkin spice; however, it usually includes fewer ingredients and typically does not feature ginger or cloves. Try your hand at mixing your own batch of this homemade spice blend, then use it to create one of our featured recipes below!

How to Make Homemade Apple Pie Spice

Ingredients:

  • 3 tbsp. ground cinnamon
  • 2 tsp. ground nutmeg
  • 2 tsp. ground allspice
  • 1 tsp. ground cardamom (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Combine spices and store in a sealed container for up to one year.

 

Featured Recipe: Cinnamon Roll Pull-Apart French Toast

Experience the magic of cinnamon with Martin’s Sweet Party Potato Rolls transformed into a cinnamon-infused French toast masterpiece. The rolls are dipped in a rich egg custard flavored with vanilla and cinnamon, then baked to perfection. Once out of the oven, they’re drizzled with a sweet cinnamon roll glaze made from powdered sugar, whole milk, and clear vanilla extract. The dominant role of cinnamon in this dish elevates it, making it reminiscent of classic cinnamon rolls but with a delightful French toast twist.

 

More Apple Pie Spice Recipes

 

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Make Your Own: Savory Spice Blends

Spices like cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and star anise are not just for pies and sweet treats. Elevate your cooking to the next level by creating your own signature seasoning blend using these warming spices, or choose from one of the below options. Then, use them in your favorite savory dishes to experiment with new flavor profiles or ethnic variations.

How to Make Homemade Savory Spice Blends

Ingredients:

  • Chinese 5 Spice:
    • 1 tbsp. ground Chinese cinnamon
    • 1 tbsp. ground fennel seeds
    • 5 to 6 whole star anise (1 tbsp. ground)
    • 1 tsp. ground Sichuan peppercorns
    • 10 whole cloves (½ tsp. ground)
  • Garam Masala:
    • 6 to 8 green cardamom pods, husks removed
    • 2 tbsp. whole coriander seed
    • 1 tbsp. whole cumin seed
    • 1 tbsp. whole black peppercorns
    • 1 tsp. whole cloves
    • 1 tsp. fennel seed
    • 1 (3-inch) stick of cinnamon
    • 1 star anise pod
    • ½ tsp. ground nutmeg or mace
  • Ras Al Hanout:
    • 1 tsp. ground cumin
    • 1 tsp. ground ginger
    • 1 tsp. salt
    • ¾ tsp. freshly ground black pepper
    • ½ tsp. ground cinnamon
    • ½ tsp. ground coriander seeds
    • ½ tsp. cayenne
    • ½ tsp. ground allspice
    • ¼ tsp. ground cloves

Instructions:

  1. For Chinese 5 Spice: Grind spices by hand or use a spice grinder. Mix spices together and store in an airtight container for up to one year.
  2. For Garam Masala: Place cardamom, coriander, cumin, peppercorns, cloves, fennel, cinnamon, and anise in a medium skillet over medium heat. Cook, tossing frequently, until aromatic and lightly toasted, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a spice grinder or mortar and pestle. Add ground nutmeg. Grind into a fine powder. Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
  3. For Ras Al Hanout: In a small bowl, whisk together all ingredients until well combined. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one month.

 

Featured Recipe: Swedish Meatballs

Venturing beyond desserts, nutmeg and allspice shine in this savory dish. Swedish meatballs, with their creamy sauce and aromatic spices, are a testament to the versatility of sweet spices in culinary creations. The inclusion of allspice and nutmeg, both sweet spices, imparts a unique warmth and depth to the meatballs, setting them apart from their counterparts and making them a comforting dish perfect for any occasion.

This recipe uses a blend of ground beef, breadcrumbs crafted from Martin’s Hoagie Rolls, parsley, allspice, nutmeg, onion, and garlic powder. The meatballs are browned to perfection in a skillet and then drenched in a creamy sauce made from beef broth, heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Serve as a sub on a Martin’s Hoagie Roll or alongside egg noodles or mashed potatoes.

 

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As we wrap up our exploration of sweet spices, remember that these flavors are not just confined to the fall season but can bring warmth and comfort all year round. Stay tuned for our next installment, where we’ll dive into the fiery world of “scary spices” and explore the spices that bring the heat.

 

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Sources:

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