Spice Sherpa |

Pieces of Eight, Pirates and Spicy Treasure

If the title sounds like something out of Pirates of the Caribbean, there is good reason. September 19 (today) is National Talk Like A Pirate Day. The action is worldwide, I had to get Spice Sherpa in on the fun. Here… Continue Reading →

2010/09/18

Creme Brulee Martini with Vanilla Vodka Infusion

Guest Post by Jason Phelps of Ancient Fire Wines, The Infusion Making your own vanilla vodka is amazingly simple. Cut one vanilla bean lengthwise and place it in a clean jar with 8 oz of 100 proof vodka for 24… Continue Reading →

2010/09/14

Vanilla Villains: Your Guide to The Bad Guys

In my last post, I shared how to make authentic, homemade vanilla extract. What ensued was a lively discussion over the confusion about the color of vanilla (check out the comments and chime in). People were surprised that vanilla was steeped in vodka… Continue Reading →

2010/09/11

Homemade Vanilla Extract

Vanilla is a such a staple of our spice cupboards we hardly give it a second thought. It’s time to change that. The best tasting desserts use top quality ingredients. When it comes to vanilla that’s an expensive statement. Did you… Continue Reading →

2010/08/07

Spices & The Exhausted Cook

Have you ever felt like everything has converged together to thwart your best laid plans? C’mon. It happens to everyone. My story is a mixture of love, ambition, and food. My sons and husband were in the Adirondacks for… Continue Reading →

2010/07/24

Question Answered: Are Dried Rose Petals from the Garden OK As Spice?

“As rich and purposeless as is the rose: Thy simple doom is to be beautiful.” –Stephen Phillips, Marpessa With a scent that defines love, petals whose softness rivals that of infant skin, and a persnickety nature that requires constant… Continue Reading →

2010/07/14

5 Cool Spices for a Hot Day & A 30-Second Taste Test

It’s hot outside. And humid. It’s the kind of weather that defines summer. The single most important quest for everyone is how to stay cool. Fans, swimming pools, shade—anything that can take a few degrees off your body feels like bliss…. Continue Reading →

2010/07/07

White Meat and Vegetarian BBQ Rub & DIY Hostess Gift

Graduations, birthdays and the Fourth-of-July. Summer picnics, block parties and backyard get-togethers. Summer is the time for impromptu fun and outdoor time with family, friends and anyone else with whom you want to share your smiles. You know the tune–via email,… Continue Reading →

2010/06/28

20 Flavors for Cardamom

Popular in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine cardamom has an intensely fragrant aroma. Considered a warming spice it’s perceived to help generate internal body heat and is valued in cooler climates. In the West, cardamom is most often associated with… Continue Reading →

2010/06/14

Basic Mexican Chocolate Ice-Cream

Aaaah, ice-cream. There are as many ice-cream flavors as there are personalities: sophisticated, playful, artistic, extravagant, creative, simple, humble, diva, flamboyant…you get the idea! Here’s one that’s loyal but playful. It starts with basic chocolate ice-cream. It’s good. Really good…. Continue Reading →

2010/06/08

Spice Sherpa

Your guide to a life full of flavor.

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