Spices, Oils, and Vinagers Etc.
Page 4 more spices recipes

INDEX:
ADVIEH  (Persian Spice Mixture)
Bajan Seasoning
Basic Curry Powder 1
Bengali Panch Phoron
Brandied Vanilla Essence
Caper Oil
Chat Masala
Chicken Mix
Colombo Powder
Crab-Boil Spices
DRY JERK SEASONING
Ethiopian Hot Paste
Five-Spice Powder
Flavored sugars (4 of them)
Flavored Vinegars
Fried Almonds
Garam Masala 4
Gomasio
Green Curry Paste 1
Green Masala
HARISSA (Red Hot Chili Paste)
HAWAISH (Spice Mix)
Herb Shaker
Herbed Orange Oil
Hot Pepper Oil
Infused Oils - Cayenne Pepper Oil 
Infused Oils - Five Flavor Oil 
Infused Oils - Hot Chile Oil 
Instant Coconut Milk
Jerk Seasoning Sugar Reef Style
Jungle Curry Paste (Kaeng Paa)
Korean Sesame Salt
Nam Prik for Raw Vegetables
Pepper Mill Combo Mix
Peppercorn Oil
Phal Base
Pierre's Curry Powder
Port Wine Vinaigrette
Poultry Seasoning Gift Basket with Stuffing Recipe
Preserved Lemons
PROVENCAL PIZZA OIL
Pumpkin Pie Spice
Raspberry Vinegar
Good Fried Chicken Coating Mix
Recado De Achiote (Annatto Seed Seasoning)
RED BEAN PASTE (China)
Red Curry Paste
Roasted Nam Prik
Rosemary Lemon Oil
Sambal Badjak
Sambal Oelek
Sambar Powder
Seasoned Salt Mix
Seasoning Paste for Jerk Pork
Shellfish SeasoningBasket w/Recipe
Shichimi Togarashi
Shrimp Paste Sambal(Sambal terasi)
Spiced Salt
Tarragon Mustard Blend w/Recipes
Yellow Curry Paste
Yogurt Cheese
Yucatan Mixed-Spice Paste
Ethiopian Hot Paste

about 1 lb butter
1 med to lg _box_ of ground cayenne pepper
5-8 cloves of garlic (large cloves! or more...)
several Tbls salt (and salt at the table is the antidote, too!)

Mix: by hand or fork all the butter (easier, of course, if the butter is out of the refrig for several hours) + the pepper + salt. Also can add additional spices, in large quantities! such as a bit of
ground nutmeg, ground cloves, mustard,

To use:
This is used on raw meat (I'm not recommending this, only describing what they do!) -cut meat into maybe 3/4" cubes, spread the paste , and eat...

Warning! use only the smallest qty that you can apply , 'til ya get used to it: I mean (and I _REALLY_ mean!) apply a pea-sized amount, then try to wipe off all you can with the knife... If too hot, lick some salt...Once ya acquire the taste, you'll love it...
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Korean Sesame Salt

Servings:  1

1/2 c  White sesame seed
1/4 ts Salt, optional
Salt substitute to sprinkle on vegetables, stews.

In a heavy skillet or wok, grandually heat the sesame seed over low heat until golden and puffy.  Shake the pan frequently to toast evenly.  Remove from heat then the sesame begins to turn light brown and you can smell it. Stir in the salt, if using.  Cool mixture. Grind in a blender or mortar.  Store in tightly covered jar.
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ADVIEH  (Persian Spice Mixture)

The Chinese have a mix called five-spice and the Indians have garam masala.  The Persian advieh is an aromatic mixture that can be heightened by doubling the amount of ginger.  I prefer the proportions given here, which are balanced and will intensify the herb flavor in the various dishes to which it is added.

1  tsp              ground cinnamon
1/4  tsp              ground cardamon
1/4  tsp              ground cloves
1/4  tsp              ground ginger

Mix everything together and store in a jar with a tight cover for use when needed.
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Flavored sugars (4 of them)

-----------------------VANILLA SUGAR----------------------------

1    Vanilla pod
1 lb White sugar

---------------------MIXED SPICE SUGAR--------------------------

1    Stick cinnamon
1    Piece blade mace
2    Whole cloves
2    Tiny pieces whole nutmeg
1 lb Light brown sugar

---------------------ST. CLEMENTS SUGAR--------------------------

1    Lemon rind
1    Orange rind
1 lb White sugar

-----------------------LAVENDER SUGAR----------------------------

3    Heads of lavender OR
1 ts Dried lavender, leveled off
1 lb White sugar

VANILLA SUGAR:
Split the vanilla pod and bury it in the sugar in a jar. Keep for 2 weeks before using. Top with more sugar as you use it.

MIXED SPICE SUGAR:
Place all the spices in the sugar in a jar. Top with more sugar as you use it.

ST. CLEMENTS SUGAR:
Dry the rind in a cool oven, 275 F, for 30 minutes. Bury the rind in the sugar.

LAVENDER SUGAR:
Bury the lavender in the sugar. Use as needed.

**NOTE: these sugars are very useful in cakes, biscuits, puddings and in sweet sauces and glazes.**
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Hot Pepper Oil

2        oz.   dried red chiles (about 2 cups)
4              imported bay leaves (actually, 4 to 6 leaves)
Mild olive oil [use extra-virgin]

Drop the chiles 1 at a time alternately with the bay leaves into a clean dry bottle.  Fill the bottle with oil and cork or cap securely. Prepare oil early as the flavors take at least a month to develop.
Oil will keep at room temperature for about 3 months. Store in a cool dark place.
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Herbed Orange Oil

1              navel orange
Boiling water
2        long  leafy fresh thyme sprigs
2        long  leafy fresh sage sprigs
6        whole black peppercorns
Mild olive oil [use extra-virgin]

Preheat the oven to 225F.  Using a vegetable peeler, remove the zest from the orange in long strips, avoiding the bitter white pith. Place in a heatproof bowl, cover with boiling water and drain well.
Place the zest on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes, until partially dry but not browned.
Rinse the thyme and sage sprigs in cold water, shake off excess water and spread on a baking sheet.  Bake for about 30 minutes, until thoroughly dry but not discolored. Drop the peppercorns into a clean dry bottle and, usings tongs, add the hot orange zest, thyme and sage.  Pour in the oil and cork or cap securely. Prepare the oil early on as the flavors take at least a month to develop.  They will keep at room temperature for about 3 months. Store in a cool dark place.
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Rosemary Lemon Oil

1              lemon
Boiling water
2        large fresh rosemary sprigs
2        dried Greek oregano sprigs*
2        dried red chiles
2              imported bay leaves
Mild olive oil [use extra-virgin]

*Available at specialty markets

Preheat the oven to 225F.  Using a vegetable peeler, remove the zest from the lemon in long strips, avoiding the bitter white pith. Place in a heatproof bowl, cover with boiling water and drain well.
Place the zest on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes, until partially dry but not browned.
Rinse the rosemary sprigs in cold water, shake off excess water and spread on a baking sheet.  Bake for about 30 minutes until thoroughly dry but not discolored. Pack the oregano, chiles and bay leaves in a clean dry bottle and, using tongs, add the hot lemon zest and rosemary.  Pour in the oil and cork or cap securely. Prepare this oil early on as the flavors take at least a month to
develop.  They will keep at room temperature for about 3 months. Store in a cool dark place.
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Flavored Vinegars

Herbs and aromatics add flavor and beauty to bottles of vinegar as well as to bottles of oil [see "Flavored Oils" for directions on how to do oils].  Simply place clean, dry herbs in glass bottles, top off with vinegar and then cork or cap securely.  It will take a few weeks for the flavors to permeate the vinegar.  The vinegars will keep at room temperature for 4 to 6 months. As a change from tarragon in white wine vinegar, use slender fresh chives with their blossoms attached or bushy stems of fresh rosemary, sage or thyme. Pair regular fresh sweet green basil or, better yet, the
stronger-flavored purple basil with red wine vinegar. Give a bottle of unseasoned rice vinegar packed with pounded stalks of fresh lemon grass to friends interested in Thai or Vietnamese cooking.  Store this vinegar in the refrigerator. Make a colorful, spicy concoction with white wine vinegar, dried red chiles and a combination of black, red and green peppercorns.
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Fried Almonds

Yield: 1 cup

2 tb Vegetable oil
1 c  Whole blanched almonds

Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add almonds; fry until golden brown, 3-4 minutes. Drain on paper towels and set aside. Can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
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Colombo Powder

Yield: 1 /2 cup

2 tb White rice
2 tb Cumin seeds
2 tb Coriander seeds
1 1/2 ts Black mustard seeds
1 1/2 ts Black peppercorns
1 1/2 ts Fenugreek seeds
1/2 ts Cloves
2 tb Turmeric

Roast rice in small dry skillet over medium heat, shaking pan frequently, until grains are light golden brown, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate to cool. Add all spices to skillet except turmeric and roast over medium heat, shaking pan, until toasted and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Transfer
spices to a plate. Grind rice and toasted spices in spice mill or blender into a fine powder. Blend in turmeric. Store in an airtight container away from heat and light. It will keep for several months.
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Crab-Boil Spices

Yield: 1 cup

1/4 c  Pickling spices
2 tb Mustard seeds
2 tb Black peppercorns
1 tb Celery seeds
2 tb Dried hot red pepper flakes
2 ts Ground ginger
5    Bay leaves
2 ts Dried oregano
1 tb Minced dried chives
1/4 c  Sea salt

In food processor combine all ingredients and pulse to a fine powder. Store in an air-tight container.
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Yogurt Cheese

Yield: 1 cup

1 pt Plain nonfat yogurt

Place the yogurt in a colander lined with cheesecloth or a dampened coffee filter and place over a deep bowl. Cover and refrigerate 6-8 hours, or until thick. Discard the liquid. Can be used as an
ingredient in recipes or as a topping in place of sour cream.
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Instant Coconut Milk

Yield: 3 cups

2 c  Shredded, desiccated, unsweetened coconut
3 1/2 c  Water

Put coconut in medium bowl. Pour simmering water over the coconut. Let stand until cooled. Strain, discard the coconut, refrigerate or freeze.
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Port Wine Vinaigrette

Yield: 3 1/2 cups

1 1/4 c  Vegetable broth
1/4 c  Celery, diced
1/4 c  Carrots, diced
1/2 c  Onion(s), diced
1/4 c  Parsnips, diced
3/4 c  Port wine
4 ts Arrowroot or cornstarch
3/4 c  Red wine vinegar
-or balsamic vinegar
3/4 c  Walnut oil
Salt and pepper

Combine first 5 ingredients in medium saucepan and simmer for 30 minutes. Puree mixture and pour through a coffee filter or fine strainer. Discard solids. Add port wine. combine 2 tbs broth mixture with arrowroot in a small bowl. Set aside. Bring remaining broth to a boil. Remove from heat and whisk in arrowroot mixture. Bring to a boil again. Remove from heat and stir in vinegar,
Cool and whisk in oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Red Curry Paste

Yield: 1 /2 cup

1/2 c  Small whole dried red chilies, seeded
1 tb Coriander seeds OR
1 ts Ground coriander
1 1/2 ts Cumin (seed or ground)
10    Peppercorns
2    Cloves OR
1 pn Ground cloves
1/2 ts Nutmeg; freshly ground
1/2 ts Salt
2    Shallots; peeled
1    Quarter-sized piece ginger peeled
2 tb Lemongrass; minced (2 stalks)
2 ts Lime zest; grated
1/4 c  Cilantro stems and leaves coarsely chopped
1 ts To 2 tsp shrimp paste OR
1    To 3 anchovy fillets (opt)
1/4 c  Vegetable oil

Put the chilies in a small bowl and cover with very warm water. In a small skillet, toast the coriander seed and cumin seed over medium heat, stirring constantly, until aromatic; don't let the spices burn or they will be bitter. Pout the spices into an electric spice or coffee grinder with the peppercorns, cloves, nutmeg and salt. Grind to a fine powder. In the work bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade, put the shallots,  garlic, ginger, lemongrass, lime zest, cilantro,
shrimp paste and 2 tablespoons of the oil. Drain the chilies well and add to the work bowl along with the ground spices. Process the mixture until very smooth. Wipe down sides of bowl occasionally. Be careful not to breath in the chili fumes. Scrape the mixture into an electric blender, cover and process until it forms a smooth puree. Stop the machine and add the remaining oil, as needed, to facilitate blending. Scrape all the paste from the blender bowl; store in a
small glass jar with a tight fitting lid. Refrigerate for up to 1 month or freeze.
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Shichimi Togarashi

---------------------------JAPAN--------------------------------
2 ts White sesame seeds
3 ts Sansho (Japanese pepper)
1 ts Small pieces dried laver (a seaweed called nori)
3 ts Flakes of dried
-tangarine peel
3 ts Chili powder
1 ts Black sesame seeds
1 ts Poppy seeds

(Seven-Flavor or Seven-Spice Mix)

Grind the white sesame seeds and sansho coarsely. Add the laver and dried tangarine peel and grind again briefly. Stir in the remaining spices qand blend well. Stored in an airtight container, it will keep for 3-4 months. Use as a table condiment to flavor soups, noodles and grilled meats.
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Gomasio

5 ts Black sesame seeds
2 ts Coarse salt

Lightly roast the sesame seeds in a dry frying pan over medium heat for a few minutes, stirring frequently. cool, then grind together with the salt. Stored in an airtight container, it will keep for 3-4 months. Use as a condiment to sprinkle on rice, raw vegetables, salads and boiled potatoes.
Note: Goma is the Japanese name for sesame.
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Five-Spice Powder

1 tb Star anise
1 tb Fagara (Sichuan pepper)
1/2 tb Cassia or cinnamon
1 tb Fennel seeds
1/2 tb Cloves

Grind all ingredients together. Use saparingly to season meat and poultry, and to flavor marinades. Optionally, add up to two of the following: cardamon, dried ginger and licorice root. Stored in an airtight container, it will keep for 3-4 months.
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Spiced Salt

4 tb Coarse salt
2 tb Fagara (Sichuan pepper)

Dry roast the salt and fagara in a heavy frying pan over medium heat until the fagara darkens. Cool, then grind. Serve in small bowls as a dip for raw or deep-fried vegetables, roast meat and poultry. Stored in an airtight contianer, it will keep for up to 4 months.
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Sambal Oelek

8 oz Red chilies
1 ts Salt
1 ts Brown sugar

Heat a heavy frying pan and put in the chilies after 2 minutes. Dry roast over medium heat for a few minutes. Cool, then seed if desired, finely chop and pound to a paste with the salt and sugar. Can be kept tightly stored in the refrigerator for a week or so.
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Sambal Badjak

10    Red chilies
2    Onion(s)
5    Garlic clove(s)
1 sm Piece trassi (shrimp paste)
5    Candlenuts macadamians or cashews
1 ts Tamarind concentrate to 2 tsp
1/2 ts Ground galangal
3 tb Oil
1 ts Salt
1 ts Brown sugar
2    Kaffir lime leaves
8 oz Thick coconut milk

Pound or process the chilies, onions, garlic, trassi and candlenuts to a smooth paste with the tamarind and galangal. Heat the oil and fry the paste for a few minutes, then add the remaining ingredients and cook gently for 15-20 minutes, until the mixture thickens. Cool and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
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Roasted Nam Prik

5    Garlic clove(s), unpeeled
5    Shallots, unpeeled
5    Red chilies
1 sm Piece trassi (shrimp paste)
1 tb Brown sugar
1 ts Tamarind concentrate

Put the garlic and shallots in a heavy frying pan and dry-fry until the skins are dark brown and the insides soft. Dry-fry the chilies and the trassi wrapped in foil, until the trassi darkens and the
chilies soften. Peel the garlic and shallots, chop the chilies, removing the seeds, and pound or process everything to a paste. Store in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for about a week.
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Nam Prik for Raw Vegetables

4    Dried red chilies
6    Dried shrimp
1 sm Piece trassi (shrimp paste)
2    Garlic clove(s)
2 tb Fish sauce (nam pla)
1 tb Brown sugar
Juice of 1 lime

Seed and chop the chilies. Pound or process them with the dried shrimp. Heat the trassi; crumble it and pound with the garlic, then combine all the ingredients except the lime juice and process. Add
the lime juice, a little at a time, so that the sauce remains fairly thick. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
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Green Curry Paste 1

3    Shallots
3    Garlic clove(s)
2    Stalks lemongrass
1 tb Coriander seeds
1 ts Cumin seeds
1 ts Black peppercorns
10    Green chilies
1 tb Chopped coriander root
1 tb Ground galangal
2 ts Grated lime peel
1 sm Piece trassi (shrimp paste)
2 tb Chopped cilantro leaves
Salt to taste

Chop the shallots, garlic and lemon grass. Heat a heavy frying pan and add the  coriander and cumin seeds after 2-3 minutes. Dry roast until they darken, shaking the pan to prevent burning. Cool, then grind to a powder with the peppercorns. Seed and chop the chilies. Pound or process aa the ingredients to a smooth paste. Can be kept in the refrigerator for about a month.
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Basic Curry Powder 1

6    Dried red chilies
1 oz Coriander seeds
2 ts Cumin seeds
1/2 ts Black mustard seeds
1 ts Black peppercorns
1 ts Fenugreek seeds
10    Curry leaves
1/2 ts Ground ginger
1 tb Turmeric

Remove the seeds from the chilies. Dry roast the whole spices over medium heat until they darken, stirring or shaking the pan to prevent burning. Cool, then grind to a powder. Dry roast the curry leaves for a few minutes, then grind and add them to the mixture with the ginger and turmeric, blending well. Medium-hot. Can be kept in an airtight container for 3-4 months.

Variations: To make Aromatic Curry Powder, add 1 tsp ground cinnamon and ¬ tsp ground clovees, and use only 2-3 chilies.
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Sambar Powder

10    Dried red chilies
1 oz Coriander seeds
3/4 oz Cumin seeds
1/2 oz Black peppercorns
1 ts Black mustard seeds
1/2 oz Fenugreek seeds
1/4 ts Ground asafoetida
1 tb Turmeric
1 tb Oil
1 oz Chana dal (yellow split peas)
1 oz Urad dal (white gram beans)

Remove the seeds from the chilies. heat a heavy frying pan and dry roast he whole spices over medium heat for about 5 minutes. When the seeds stop spattering, add the asafoetida and turmeric and stir for a minute longer. Remove the mixture to a dry bowl, add the oil to the pan and fry the dal until they darken, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Add to the bowl of spices, mix well, cool and grind. Use to flavor pulses, braised and stewed vegetables, and sauces. Stored in an airtight container, the powder will keep for 3-4 months.
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Bengali Panch Phoron

1 tb Cumin seeds
1 tb Fennel seeds
1 tb Black mustard seeds
1 tb Nigella seeds -(black onion seeds)
1 tb Fenugreek seeds

Mix all the spices together. Use to flavor pulses and vegetable dishes. Stored in an airtight container, it will keep for 3-4 months.
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Garam Masala 4

2    Cinnamon sticks
3    Bay leaves
1 1/2 oz Cumin seeds
1 oz Coriander seeds
3/4 oz Cardamon seeds green or black
3/4 oz Black peppercorns
1/2 oz Cloves
1/2 oz Ground mace

Break cinnamon sticks into pieces. Crumble the bay leaves. Heat a heavy frying pan and put in the whole spices after 2-3 minutes. Dry roast over medium heat until the color darkens, stirring or shaking the pan frequently to prevent burning. Cool, then grind and blend with the mace. Spicy, pungent blend. Can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 months.

Variations:
Mogul Masala - mild and subtle: use only green cardamon, cinnamon, black peppercorns, mace, and a few cloves.

Gujerati Masala - hot: add sesame seeds, fennel seeds, ajowan seeds nd chilies.

Kashimir Masala - mild: use black cumin seeds, green cardamon seeds, black peppercorns, cloves, cinnamon, mace and add a little grated nutmeg.

Parsi Dhansak Masala - hot: add fenugreek seeds, black mustard seeds, chilies, turmeric, and double the amount of coriander seeds.
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Chat Masala

1 ts Cumin seeds
1 ts Black peppercorns
1/2 ts Ajowan seeds
1 ts Dried pomegranate seeds
1 ts Black salt
1 ts Coarse salt
1 pn Crushed dried mint
1/4 ts Ground asafoetida
2 ts Mango powder
1/2 ts Cayenne
1/2 ts Ground ginger

Note: if black salt is unavailable, increase the coarse salt.

Grind the whole spices and salt to a powder, then mix in the mint, asafoetida, mango powder, cayenne, and ginger. Use with fruit and vegetable salads. Store in an airtight contianer, it will keep for 3-4 months.
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Green Masala

1 sm Piece of ginger
1    To 2 garlic clove(s)
4    To 6 green chilies
1 sm Bunch fresh cilantro

Peel and chop the garlic and ginger; seed and slice the chilies. Remove the cilantro stalks. Pound or blend all the ingredients to a paste with a little water. Use with fish or chicken.
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Chicken Mix

11 lb (4 Med) Cut Up Fryers
3 tb Parsley Flakes
4 ts Salt
2 ts Basil
4 qt Cold Water
4    Med Carrots, Peeled &Chopped
1/2 ts Pepper

Combine all ingredients in a large kettle or Dutch Oven.  Cover and cook over high heat until water boils.  Reduce heat and simmer until meat is tender, about 1 1/2 hours.  Remove from the heat.  Strain broth and refregerate until fat can be skimmed.  Cool the chicken and remove the bones and discard along with the skin.  Put chicken into 6 1-pint containers with 1/2 inch space at top.  Pour skimmed chicken broth into six more 1-pint containers leaving 1/2 inch space at top.  Seal and label containers with contents.  Freeze and use within 3 months.
Makes about 6 pints of Chicken Mix and 6 pints of Chicken Broth.
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Caper Oil

1 lg Jar of capers
Olive oil (approx. 20 fl oz)
Wide-mouthed glass jar

Drain the capers and put them into the jar.  They should just about half fill it.  Add olive oil to the top.  Let it sit for a week or two for the flavour to develop.

Notes:  The authors say to use a good virgin oil, green and strongly flavored; a sprig of rosemary can be added.  They also mention this being used on a tomato and onion salad.
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Peppercorn Oil

20    Fluid ounces olive or vegetable oil
3 tb Cracked black peppercorns or drained green peppercorns

Place the ingredients in a bottle or glass jar.  Keep for at least a week before using.
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Infused Oils - Five Flavor Oil "China Moon"

1 1/3 c  Oil, Corn or Peanut
1/2 tb Oil, Sesame, Japanese
3 lg Scallions, green & white cut in thick rings
10    Ginger quarter-size coins smashed
1 1/2 ts Chile Flakes, dried red shockingly pungent
2 ts Peppercorns, Szechwan brown

Combine all ingredients except for the lemon zest in a heavy, non aluminum 1 to 1 1/2 quart saucepan. Rest a deep-fry thermometer on the rim of the pot. Over moderately low heat, bring the
mixture to a bubbly 225 degrees, stirring occasionally. Let simmer for 15 minutes, checking to ensure the temperature does not rise. Remove from the heat and let stand until cool or overnight.

Strain the oil without pressing the solids; then, discard the solids. Store the oil in an impeccably clean glass jar at cool room temperature.
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Infused Oils - Cayenne Pepper Oil "China Moon"

3 c  Oil, Corn or Peanut
3/4 c  Pepper, Cayenne

Pour oil in a heavy, non aluminum 1 to 2 quart saucepan.  Bring the oil to 225 degrees on a deep-fry thermometer over moderately low heat. Remove from the heat and stir in the cayenne pepper, and let cool to room temperature undisturbed, or overnight if you wish.

Strain the oil slowly and patiently through one or more large paper coffee filters into an impeccably clean glass jar. Store at room temperature. A whoppingly spicy-hot oil, this is the perfect seasoning to use when you are wanting 1,000 watt chile power with only a few drops of oil.
It was suggested by a recipe in one of my all-time favorite cooking-as-culture books, "Chinese Gastronomy" by the erstwhile ladies Lin.

Be strict about observing the oil temperature, and do not add the cayenne if the oil is hotter than 250 degrees, or it will burn to a hideous mess. Like any dry spice, the cayenne should smell "alive" if the results are to be good. The kind we buy from our spice merchant comes in three grades of ferocity. We buy the hottest. Why fool around?
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Infused Oils - Hot Chile Oil "China Moon"

Yield: 3 cups

2/3 c  Chile Flakes, dried red shockingly pungent
1/3 c  Beans, Black fermented Chinese; coarsely chopped -(do not rinse them)
4 lg Garlic cloves  peeled and smashed
2 tb Ginger, fresh minced
2 1/3 c  Oil, Corn or Peanut
1/3 c  Oil, Sesame, Japanese

Combine all ingredients in a heavy, non aluminum 2 to 2 1/2 quart saucepan. Rest a deep-fry thermometer on the rim of the pot. Over moderately low heat, bring the mixture to a bubbly 225 degrees to 250 degrees, stirring occasionally. Let simmer for 15 minutes, checking to ensure the temperature does not rise. Remove from the heat and let stand until cool or overnight. Scrape the oil and solids into an impeccably clean glass or plastic container. Store at room temperature.
Use the oil wherever you want to light a spark.  The "goop" that settles to the bottom is a wonderful spicy addition to sauces, noodles, fillings and marinades. The day I made my own hot chile oil, I swear I grew a foot as a cook! Not at all difficult and eminently satisfying, I recommend this recipe to any aspiring cook. Like grinding and brewing your own coffee after a lackluster life of instant, the sheer flavor and freshness of this chile oil will knock your socks off.
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Brandied Vanilla Essence

Whenever a recipe calls for vanilla, use this sweet-smelling flavoring instead.  For best results, use top-quality brandy and moist and fragrant vanilla beans.

Makes 1 quart
8  vanilla beans
4  cups brandy
Additional vanilla beans (optional)

Cut 8 vanilla beans crosswise into thirds.  Using very sharp knife, split each piece open lengthwise; do not cut through. Place pieces in jar.  Cover with brandy.  Seal tightly; shake well.  Let stand
3 weeks at room temperature, shaking jar several times a week.  Open jar; aroma should be very rich with vanilla. If not, let stand 1 more week.  Strain essence through coffee filter paper.  Using funnel, fill narrow-necked bottles with essence, leaving 1/4-inch space at top.  Add 1 vanilla bean to each bottle if desired.  Seal tightly.  Store in cool dark place.
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Seasoned Salt Mix

3/4 c  Salt
1/4 c  Garlic salt
1 ts Pepper
1/2 ts Oregano
1 ts Paprika
1/8 ts Celery seed
1/4 ts White pepper
1/4 ts Dry mustard

Mix ingredients together and store in airtight containers. Use with Father's Day Burgers and Grilled Vegetables (separate recipes).
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Shellfish Seasoning Basket with Recipe

Yield: 1 basket

------------------------HERB PLANTS-----------------------------
1    Dill plant
1    Lemon thyme plant
1    French tarragon plant
1    Chervil plant

----------------------MARINATED SHRIMP---------------------------
2 tb Snipped dill
1 tb Snipped French tarragon
1 ts Snipped lemon thyme
1/2 ts Snipped chervil
1/2 c  Vegetable oil
3 tb Lemon juice
2 tb Toasted sesame seeds
1    Sweet red pepper, seeded and julienned
1 lb Large shrimp, cleaned

Basket:
Arrange plants in container with moss surrounding plants. Water. Herbs will enhance and seafood dish. In addition to the enclosed recipe, they may be blended to make a seasoned butter.

Marinated Shrimp:
Whisk together the herbs, oil, lemon juice, and sesame seeds. Add red pepper and shrimp. Refrigerate 2-4 hours before serving. Drain and serve on French bread rounds.
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Tarragon Mustard Blend with Recipes

1/2 c  Dried minced onion
1/4 c  Dried whole tarragon
2 tb Dry mustard
1 ts Black pepper
1 ts Fennel seed
1 ts Dried savory

-----------------------TMB VINAGRETTE----------------------------
1    Olive oil
1/3 c  White wine vinegar
2 tb Tarragon mustard blend
1 ts Salt
1    Clove garlic, crushed

-----------------TARRAGON MAYONNAISE SAUCE----------------------

1 c  Regular or lowfat
-mayonnaise
1/3 c  Sour cream or lowfat yogurt
3 tb Tarragon mustard blend

Stir Spices,  together and store in an airtight container. For vinaigrette: Mix all ingredients together, store in refrigerator until ready to use. Makes 1 1/2 cups.

For Mayonnaise Sauce:
Combine all ingredients; refrigerate at least 2 hours. Makes 1 1/3 cups
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Pepper Mill Combo Mix

1/2 c  Muntok white pepper corns
1/2 c  Malabar green peppercorns
1/4 c  Red pepper flakes
1 c  Tellicherry or Malabar black peppercorns

Combine all ingredients and store in an airtight container.
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Poultry Seasoning Gift Basket with Stuffing Recipe

Yield: 1 basket

------------------------HERB PLANTS-----------------------------
1    Rosemary plant
1    Sage plant
1    Summer savory plant
1    Marjoram plant
1    Thyme plant

----------------OLD FASHIONED TURKEY STUFFIG---------------------
1/2 c  Butter
1 tb EACH snipped herbs
1 lg Onion, chopped
3    Ribs celery, chopped
2 1/2 c  Chicken broth
8 c  Stale French bread cubes

Basket: Arrange plants in a plastic lined basket.

Stuffing;
Melt butter. Add herbs, onion and celery. Saute until limp. Add broth and bring to a boil. Pour over bread cubes and mix well. Bake in turkey or a greased casserole in a slow oven 1 hour, basting with turkey drippings or additional butter.
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Preserved Lemons

5 ea Lemons
1/4 c  Salt, more if desired
1 ea Cinnamon stick
3 ea Cloves
Coriander seeds, 5 to 6
Black peppercorns, 3 to 4
1 ea Bay leaf
Freshly squeezed lemon juice

If you wish to soften the peel, soak the lemons in lukewarm water for 3 days, changing the water daily. Quarter the lemons from the top to within 1/2" of the bottom, sprinkle salt on the exposed flesh, then reshape the fruit. Place 1 tb. salt on the bottom of a sterilized one-pint mason jar.
Pack in the lemons and push them down, adding more salt, and the optional spices, between layers.  Press the lemons down to release their juices and to make room for the remaining lemons.  (If the juice released from the squashed fruit does not cover them, add freshly squeezed lemon juice - not chemically produced lemon juice and not water.*) Leave some air space before sealing the jar. Let the lemons ripen in a warm place, shaking the jar each day to distribute the salt and juice.  Let ripen for 30 days. To use, rinse the lemons, as needed, under running water, removing and discarding the pulp, if desired - and there is no need to refrigerate after opening.  Preserved lemons will keep up to a year, and the pickling juice can be used two or three times over the course of a year.
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PIERRE'S CURRY POWDER

1/4 cup turmeric
3 tbs ground coriander
2 tbs ground cumin
1 tbs white peppercorns
1 tbs whole cloves
2 tbs ground ginger
1 tbs ground cardamon
2 tsp cayenne pepper *
1 tbs ground mace
1 tbs dried fines herbs
1 tbs fenugreek seeds
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Seasoning Paste for Jerk Pork

4               Habanero stems and seeds removed, chopped or
7               Jalapeno chiles, stems and seeds removed, chopped
2 oz            fresh pimiento berries (allspice berries), or substitute
¬ cup           powdered allspice
3 Tbls          lime juice
2 Tbls          chopped scallions
1 tsp           ground cinnamon
1 tsp           ground nutmeg

Pound or puree all the ingredients to make a thick paste.
Spread paste over meat and marinate for 1 hour or longer before grilling.
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Bajan Seasoning

3               Habanero chiles, stems and seeds removed, finely chopped
6               scallions, finely chopped, including the greens
3 cloves        garlic, minced
2 Tbls          lime juice
2 Tbls          chopped fresh parsley
« tsp           ground cloves
« tsp           freshly ground black pepper

Combine all ingredients.
Cut deep gashes in meat and fill with seasoning mixture.
Cook as desired.
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RED BEAN PASTE (China)

1 lb. Chinese red beans
8 cups water
3/4 cups lard or oil (you know which tastes better but UNhealthy)
1 3/4 cups sugar

Method #1
Mix beans and water to fully cover. Soak for two hours. Drain and discard water.

Add 8 cups fresh water to the beans and bring to a boil; cook over low heat for 1 1/2 hours or until they are open (swell and split).

Strain the beans and discard skins (add water if the beans are too thick to strain).

Place the strained beans in a cheesecloth, form a pocket and squeeze out the excess water. Put the strained beans, lard/oil, sugar in a pan and cook until the water has almost evaporated. You must stir continuously to prevent the bean paste from sticking to the pan. This method yields 1 2/5 lbs. red bean paste.

Method #2
Follow method #1 except omit straining the beans. When the beans are open, add lard/oil and sugar and cook until the water has almost evaporated. This method yields 2 1/4 lbs. red bean paste.
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Jerk Seasoning Sugar Reef Style

 ((Dry))
1 Tbls          ground allspice
1 Tbls          dried thyme
1 « tsp         cayenne pepper
1 « tsp         freshly ground black pepper
1 « tsp         ground sage
3/4 tsp         ground nutmeg
3/4 tsp         ground cinnamon
2 Tbls          salt
2 Tbls          garlic powder
1 Tbls          sugar

 ((Wet))
¬ cup           olive oil
¬ cup           soy sauce
3/4 cup         white vinegar
« cup           orange juice
juice of 1      lime
1               scotch bonnet pepper, seeded and finely chopped
1 cup           chopped white onion
3               green onions, finely chopped

Note: You can make a paste by combining in a food processor all the ingredients listed above, OR you can mix the dry spices (the first group), store away, and then combine with remaining ingredients just prior to using. In a large bowl, combine the first group of ingredients.
With a wire whisk, slowly add the olive oil, soy sauce, vinegar, orange juice, and lime juice. Add the Scotch Bonnet pepper, onion, and green onions and mix well.
Marinate meat in mixture for at least 1 hour, longer if possible. Then grill.
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PROVENCAL PIZZA OIL

Bottles of olive oil containing red chiles, black peppercorns and the wild herbs of the region sit on the table of every pizzeria in Provence. When the thin crusted pizzas come hot to the table, the first thing to do is sprinkle the hot pepper oil on them.

2 C        Olive oil
1 T        Black peppercorns
3          Fresh bay leaves
3          Dry chiles (i.e. japones), including seeds
3 Branches Fresh thyme

Pour the olive oil into a clean, dry wine bottle, then add remaining ingredients. Cut 1/4-inch deep, V-shaped channel the length of a wine cork and use it to cork the bottle. Let stand in a cool, dark place for 2 to 3 weeks to let the oil become infused with the flavors. Stored in a cool, dark place the oil will keep several months. Makes 2 cups.
Uses: This is wonderful sprinkled on almost any pizza, from traditional ones such as quatre fromage or nouveau types such as goat cheese with scallops.
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HARISSA (Red Hot Chili Paste)

There are many harissa recipes from all regions of the county.  This one, from a Jewish home, is a good hot one, flavored with lemon juice and cuminseed.

1  cup              dried hot red chilies
water, cold
1  cup              garlic cloves
2  Tbsps            salt
corn oil, to cover

Break the dry chilies open and shake out and discard the seeds. Soak the husks in cold water for 2 or 3 hours to soften, then drain. Soak the garlic cloves water for 1 hour.  Drain.  Crack the cloves
lightly with the flat of a cleaver and peel.  Drain well. Grind the chilies and garlic cloves together in a processor to produce a fairly coarse texture.  Add the salt and mix well.  Put the paste in a jar and cover with oil, about 2 tablespoons.  Cover the jar tightly and refrigerate until ready to use.  Makes about 1-1/2 cups harissa.

TO SERVE:

1  tsp              olive oil
1  Tbsp             lemon juice
few  grains           ground cuminseeds

Put about 1 tablespoon of harissa in a small plate.  Surround the harissa with the oil.  Sprinkle the lemon juice over, with a pinch of cuminseed over all. Serve with any kind of Tunisian food.
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Phal Base

1    Recipe mild curry base
2 ts Ground Black Pepper
4 ts Chilli powder
1 tb Chopped Chilli pickle
Chilli Sauce (any), to taste (Optional)

Proceed with stages 1 and 2 of mild curry base.
Add the extra ingredients above and fry them in.
Carry on with stages 3 to 5.
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Real Good Fried Chicken Coating Mix

10 cups flour
1/2 cup salt
1/2 cup accent (MSG)
2 tbsp black pepper
1 tbsp white pepper
3 tbsp oregano
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp thyme
1 tbsp paprika
1 tbsp cayenne
1-1/2 tbsp cumin
1 tbsp curry powder
1 tbsp chili powder

Mix together in a large zip loc type bag and store in the freezer until needed.  Dip chicken in egg/milk mixture, coat with mix and then fry or bake.
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Yellow Curry Paste

1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 teaspoon coriander seeds
8 dried chilies
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1 tablespoon chopped lemon grass
2 tablespoons chopped shallots
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
1 tablespoon yellow curry powder

Place the cumin and coriander seeds in a pan without adding any oil. Dry fry them, stirring, over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until they are slightly browned, and give off a roasted aroma.
Coarsely chop the chilies and soak in water for 10 minutes. Drain. Pound all the ingredients together to produce a fine paste which goes well with beef and pork.
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Shrimp Paste Sambal (Sambal terasi)

2 tablespoons ground chilli
1 small onion
1 teaspoon shrimp Paste, lightly grilled
Salt, to taste
Juice of half a lemon

Pound finely the chilli, onion and shrimp paste with salt to taste. Add lemon juice and blend well. Place in a bowl. This sambal is well known throughout the archipelago. However I recommend it only for addicts. If you want to make Indonesian newcomers feel at home, serve it with vegetables, plain boiled rice and with a grill. Anchovy fillets, about 2 pieces, may be substituted for shrimp paste if you wish.
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Herb Shaker

Reach for this instead of the salt shaker.

1 Tbsp. ground cayenne pepper
1 Tbsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. dried basil
1 tsp. dried thyme
1 tsp. dried parsley flakes
1 tsp. dried savory
1 tsp. ground mace
1 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1 tsp. dried sage
1 tsp. dried marjoram

Combine all ingredients in a jar. The mix can be stored, tightly covered, in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months. Makes 1/4 cup.
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Yucatan Mixed-Spice Paste

12 cloves garlic, unpeeled
2 tsp. dried oregano
1 tsp. black peppercorns (scant 1 1/2 tsp. ground)
1/4 tsp. allspice berries (generous 1/4 tsp. ground)
1/4 tsp. cloves (generous 1/4 tsp. ground)
1/4 tsp. cumin seeds (generous 1/4 tsp. ground)
1/2 tsp. salt
1 Tbsp. cider vinegar
I tsp. all-purpose white flour

Roast unpeeled garlic on a griddle or a heavy skillet set over medium heat for about 15 minutes, turning frequently, until blackened in spots and very soft inside. Remove, cool and slip off skins.
If using whole spices, place oregano, black pepper, allspice, cloves and cumin in a mortar or spice grinder and pulverize thoroughly. Transfer to a small bowl and add salt. If using ground spices, combine them with salt in a small bowl. Mince garlic finely and sprinkle it with some of the spice
mixture. Use the back of a spoon to work it back and forth, mashing it to a smooth paste. Add the garlic-spice mixture to the remaining spices in the bowl, then work in vinegar and flour. Scrape into a small jar, cover and let stand in the refrigerator for several hours or preferably overnight before using. The paste will keep for several weeks, refrigerated. Makes about 3 Tbsp.
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Jungle Curry Paste (Kaeng Paa)

Start with CHRAIN (GRATED HORSERADISH)

1  3 to 4-in long      horseradish root
4  Tbsps               plain or cider vinegar
2  tsps                salt
1  tsp                 sugar
2                      beets, peeled and cooked (canned or fresh -- optional)

Peel the horseradish root.  Using the grating disk of a food processor or a hand grater, grate the root.  Some people stop here, they love it freshly grated with nothing else added.  But if you want to keep it for any length of time, put it a bowl, add the vinegar, sugar, and salt and mix well.  You now have white horseradish. If you want the red variety, grate the beets and stir them into the
white horseradish.  Horseradish will keep well in the refrigerator if you store it in a tightly covered jar.
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Pumpkin Pie Spice

4 ts Cinnamon
1 ts Ginger
1/2 ts Allspice
1/2 ts Nutmeg
1/2 ts Ground Cloves

Combine all of the ingredients, mixing well.  Store in an airtight
container in a cool dry place.  It will keep for several months.
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HAWAISH (Spice Mix)

It is hawaish, the spice mix, that gives Yemen cooking its identity. All their spices are mixed proportionately and stored, to be easily measured out for recipes.

2  Tbsps            cuminseed, ground
1  Tbsp             pepper
1/2  tsp              coriander, ground
1  tsp              turmeric, ground
4  whole            cloves, broken up
4  pods             cardamom seeds
1/4  tsp              nutmeg, grated
2                   bay leaves

Mix all of ingredients together.  Store in a glass jar with a tight cover.  Keep the 2 bay leaves in the mixture to keep the spices dry and clean.  Do not include the bay leaves when using the mixture.
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Raspberry Vinegar

4        lb    raspberries
2        cup   vinegar
sugar

Mash the berries and add the vinegar and let stand for 4 days. To each cup of liquid add one cup of sugar. Bring to a boil and cook for 20 minutes. Strain and bottle.
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RECADO DE ACHIOTE (ANNATTO SEED SEASONING)

This is the principal Yucatecan seasoning used to flavor meat roasted in a pit (pibil).

3 Tbsp     annatto seeds
5 cloves   garlic, whole
1 Tbsp     black peppercorns
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>1 Tbsp     oregano, dried and crushed
1          white onion

Simmer annatto seeds in a little water for 10 minutes.  Let stand overnight to soften seeds.  Drain.  Combine seeds with garlic, peppercorns, oregano, and onion, and grind to a fine consistency in an electric spice grinder or a mortar.  Store in a glass jar in the refrigerator.
To use, dissolve seasoning in a little Seville (bitter) orange juice or vinegar or in a mixture of equal amounts of orange and grapefruit juce. Makes about 1/2 cup.
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DRY JERK SEASONING

1 T  Onion flakes
1 T  Onion powder
2 t  Ground thyme
2 t  Salt
1 t  Ground allspice
1/4 t  Ground nutmeg
1/4 t  Ground cinnamon
2 t  Sugar
1 t  Black pepper
1 T  Caynne pepper
2 t  Dried chives or green onions

Mix together all the ingredients.  Store in tightly closed jar for up to a month
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