Tag Archives: spices

Chai Tea Mix

Beverages, Dessert, Recipes, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

This chai tea mix makes a thoughtful homemade holiday gift. Just add the tea and spices to a jar and attach the simple brewing instructions! If available in a store near you, buy the spices in bulk to save some serious cash. For enhanced flavor, toast the spices in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes or until fragrant.

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Chai Tea Mix

Each batch fills one small jar, about 4-8 ounces. Multiple this recipe to make as many jars as you'd like. 

Course Drinks
Prep Time 5 minutes
Servings 12 cups prepared

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup loose black tea
  • 1/4 cup candied ginger cut into small pieces if large
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 2 teaspoons cardamom pods about 20-25
  • 1 teaspoon red peppercorns
  • 1 teaspoon whole cloves
  • 8 star anise seeds optional
  • 2 teaspoons fennel seeds optional
  • 1 teaspoon black peppercorns optional
  • 1 teaspoon coriander seeds optional

Instructions

  1. If possible, lightly crush the spices – break the cinnamon stick into pieces, split the cardamom pods slightly, and lightly crush the other spices using a mortar and pestle.

    Alternatively, you can break the cinnamon stick and cardamom pods carefully using kitchen shears, a garlic press, or a nutcracker.

  2. In a small jar, combine tea, spices, and candied ginger. Close the jar and wrap.

  3. Include these instructions:

    Steep 1 tablespoon of tea mixture in 1 cup hot water for 5-10 minutes. Strain. Add ½ cup milk or milk alternative and optional sweetener to taste.

Holiday Paprika Popcorn

Appetizers, Recipes, Snacks, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Holiday popcorn is a festive yet healthy treat made with whole grains, healthy fats, herbs and spices, and not too much added oil. It’s easy to pop your own popcorn on the stove, and healthier than microwave popcorn. Microwave popcorn bags are lined with perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs), which are potentially dangerous for our health and the environment – so make it yourself, and save money as well!

Holiday Paprika Popcorn | Healthy, plant-based, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, easy, great for Christmas | guesswhoscooking.com

Holiday Paprika Popcorn

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Serves 8
Prep time 5 minutes
Cook time 5 minutes
Total time 10 minutes
Holiday popcorn is a festive yet healthy treat made with whole grains, healthy fats, herbs and spices, and not too much added oil. Microwave popcorn bags are lined with perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs), which are potentially dangerous for our health and the environment - so make it yourself, and save money as well!

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons canola oil (or other high heat oil)
  • 1/3 cup popcorn kernels
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley

Directions

Step 1
In a large stock pot, heat the oil and 3-4 kernels of popcorn, covered, over
medium heat until all kernels pop.
Step 2
Pour in the remaining kernels, cover pot and shake to distribute. Remove pot from heat for 30 seconds. Return pan to heat, shaking pan continuously, leaving the lid slightly ajar for crisper popcorn, if possible. To do this, you can wear two oven mitts (ones that cover your wrists or beyond are best), hold the lid slightly ajar while holding onto the pot handles and shaking the pan as pictured. If you have a lid with a vent, you could just open the vent, or use any other preferred popcorn popping method.
Step 3
When popping slows to 2-3 seconds between pops, remove from heat. Pour popcorn into a large bowl, removing any unpopped or partially popped kernels.
Step 4
Combine the paprika, garlic powder, and salt. These measurements are general and you may want to add more, but the beauty of this recipe is that the quantities don't have to be exact.
Step 5
Drizzle the olive oil over the popcorn, then sprinkle with the spice mixture. Toss to combine. Add more spices if desired. Garnish with parsley and serve.

Holiday Paprika Popcorn | Healthy, plant-based, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, easy, great for Christmas | guesswhoscooking.com

Shakshuka (eggs in tomatoes)

Entree, Recipes, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Shakshuka (also spelled “shakshouka” and “chakchouk”) is a flavorful Middle Eastern and North African dish made of tomatoes, egg, and spices. It is a healthy combination of vegetables (tomato and onion), protein (eggs) and healthy fats (olive oil). Made in one pan, it is as easy to make as it is to clean up! It is delicious with a nice slice of crusty bread.

Shakshuka | GuessWhosCooking.com | Healthy, easy, simple, vegetarian, gluten free, dairy free, soy free

Shakshuka

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Serves 3
Prep time 5 minutes
Cook time 22 minutes
Total time 27 minutes
This incredibly flavorful recipe is a great way to have vegetables for breakfast. Using fresh tomatoes instead of canned gives it a hearty, chunky texture and avoids potentially harmful BPA or other chemicals in can liners, which may be leached more easily due to the acidity of tomatoes. Tomato paste is available in glass jars and tetra paks. With that said, the nutrition benefits of eating canned tomatoes outweighs the risk of not eating enough vegetables, so if canned is your only option, go for it!

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 medium yellow onion (diced)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 3 cups ripe tomato (diced)
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 6 large eggs

Optional

  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach

Directions

Step 1
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook until onions begin to brown, 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds or until fragrant. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, cumin, paprika, and salt and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes start to break down. Add spinach if using and cook until it begins to wilt, 1-2 minutes.
Step 2
Crack eggs on top of tomato mixture, cover and simmer until eggs are set, about 7-10 minutes.

Shakshuka | GuessWhosCooking.com | Healthy, easy, simple, vegetarian, gluten free, dairy free, soy free

Shakshuka | GuessWhosCooking.com | Healthy, easy, simple, vegetarian, gluten free, dairy free, soy free