The Magic of Spice Blends: A Guide to the Art, Science, and Lore of Combining Flavors

Aliza Green

Oct 2015 · Quarry Books

About this ebook

A pinch of this and a dash of that, and you'll be creating distinctive and delectable flavors in every dish! Today, more than ever, we have access to almost every spice and herb imaginable. But it's the careful blending of herbs and spices that is the true art of the spice handler. The Magic of Spice Blends reveals the secrets of creating and cooking with the world's classic spice blends from seven regions: Africa, the Far East, Europe, India, the Middle East, North America and the Caribbean, Mexico, and South America. Chef Aliza Green guides you through the principles of choosing, working with, and blending spices. Join the fun of creating personalized spice and herb blends and knowing just what goes into them--no ancient, bitter, musty dust here! Find resources on where to purchase great quality herds and spices, even organic, non-irradiated. You can even grow your own and use them to make those wonderful spice blends. Along with background information on the history, culture, and culinary uses of each blend, The Magic of Spice Blends includes recipes and variations for 50 spice blends and an additional 50 recipes featuring the blends, including: Spicy Moroccan Steamed Mussels with Charmoula (Africa); Vietnamese Chicken Bahn-Mi Sandwich with Chinese Five Spice (the Far East); Swedish Gingerbread Cookies (Europe); Grilled Vadouvan Salmon with Date-Tamarind Chutney (India); Watermelon, Labne, and Mint Salad with Lime-Advieh Dressing (the Middle East); Louisiana Spicy Boiled Crayfish (North America); and Jerk-Spiced Turkey Wings (the Caribbean, Mexico, and South America).

About the author

Aliza Green is a chef and food industry consultant. She has written thirteen cookbooks, including a James Beard Award winner and four for Quarry Books: Making Artisan Pasta, Soupmaker's Kitchen, Fishmonger's Apprentice, and Butcher's Apprentice. Making Artisan Pasta was named by Cooking Light as one of their Top 100 Cookbooks of the Last 25 years. She is also the chef-manager of Baba Olga's Cafe & Supper Club in Philadelphia, which marries global flavor with locally sourced, sustainably harvested ingredients.