Spices and scents of the season
Many spices used in holiday dishes infuse the season with aromatic memories and contain antioxidants, flavonoids and other beneficial compounds. Enjoy the scents and spices of the holiday season knowing they are good for you.
The holiday season conjures up remembrances of gatherings with friends and family and often the aromatic scents of the season. Our sense of smell is strongly linked with memory and the holidays are chock-full of these warm aromas. Plus, many spices contain antioxidants, flavonoids (compounds found naturally in plant products) and other beneficial compounds. Here are a few to enjoy this holiday season:
Allspice is just one spice, not a blend, but it has notes of clover, nutmeg, pepper and cinnamon, making it a very popular ingredient in sweet and savory holiday dishes. For dinner, bake an allspice and sweet potato pie and for dessert, try pumpkin bread with allspice.
Cardamom, closely related to ginger, is a well-loved spice known for its intense citrusy, earthy aroma. Bake spiced cardamom cookies, an apple cardamom crisp or add cardamom to zucchini bread.
Cinnamon may be the most commonly used spice for holiday recipes. Ceylon cinnamon is considered superior to cassia (sometimes called Saigon), especially if consumed regularly. Cinnamon is not only for pies and cider; cinnamon sticks can be strung on Christmas trees and wreaths for decoration and scent. Place cinnamon sticks at place settings on the table or use them to decorate a gift.
Ginger adds zing to many holiday dishes. Tangy and warm, ginger is often also used in holiday drink recipes. Try a maple-ginger hot toddy, ginger-honey glazed carrots or whip up some gingerbread cookies.
The citrus flavor of orange peel pairs wonderfully with all the other spices on this list. Use orange zest ribbons or smaller cuts to make holiday meals or drinks festively fragrant. Try candied orange peel dipped in chocolate for a sweet treat or gift; bake cranberry-orange bread or make a mulling spice blend.
Cloves are an iconic holiday spice that have a warm and sweet aroma. Often paired with many of the spices on this list, cloves pack a sharp flavor in any dish, so use sparingly. Hams are studded with cloves and they are often in a turkey brine with peppercorns, rosemary and thyme.
Nutmeg is another sweet and spicy addition to any eggnog or pumpkin recipe.
Sage is an important savory holiday spice, often complimenting poultry dishes. Brown butter sage sauce is delicious poured over fish or potatoes.
Star Anise has a unique, licorice-like flavor that pairs well with fruity dishes and drinks such as poached pears, mulled wine and warm spiced chai. The star-shaped pod adds festive cheer, and like cinnamon sticks, can be used as decoration on a place setting or gift.
Simmer a potpourri on the stove with all the aforementioned scents. For more information on the benefits of using spices, visit health.harvard.edu and search “holiday spices.”
By Lisa Nicklanovich; courtesy photo
