A pinch of cinnamon here, a dash of cumin there, and you can transform the flavor profile of any dish. We all have spices in our kitchen cabinets, but have you ever thought about using them to their fullest potential? Here are some creative things you can do with your favorite spices.
Spice Up Your Drinks
Why not give your go-to cocktail a little twist with your favorite spices? You can enhance a classic gin and tonic with a sprinkle of cardamom and a sprig of rosemary for a refreshing burst of flavor. You can also enhance the flavor of hard seltzers with cinnamon, nutmeg, or even chili powder! Feel free to experiment with spices such as turmeric, ginger, and pink peppercorn to create your own signature drinks.
Infuse Oils and Vinegars
Infusing oils and vinegars with spices can add complexity to your meals. For instance, add garlic, thyme, and red pepper flakes to olive oil to create a dipping oil with some serious punch. Additionally, you can infuse your favorite vinegar with cinnamon or cloves for a unique addition to salad dressings. The possibilities are endless!
Make a Spice Rub
Spice rubs add extra flavor to grilled meats and roasted vegetables. Mix your favorite spices with sea salt to create a custom blend and rub it on meat or veggies before cooking. You’ll achieve a deep, flavorful flavor that keeps you returning for more. Some great spices to try in rubs include cumin, paprika, dried thyme, and garlic powder. You can also store the spice rub in a jar for future use.
Create a Room Fragrance
We all love a good-smelling home, but sometimes air fresheners can contain harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde or picric acid. Luckily, you can make your home smell great by using your favorite spices to create a natural air freshener. Put cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and anise in a pot of water, boil for 5 to 10 minutes, and that’s it! Your home will have an amazing scent. If you want extra freshness, add lemon or orange slices to the pot.
Enhance Your Candles
Another creative thing you can do with your favorite spices is enhance your plain candles by sprinkling ground spices on the top of the melting wax. That way, the spices will infuse the air with a lovely aroma while the candle burns. Besides cinnamon and clove, try unique spices such as juniper berries, sumac, and fennel.
Decorate With Spices
Who says spices are just for cooking? You can use them as decorations, too. Put cinnamon sticks and an orange peel along with pine cones and twigs in a jar for an autumn-inspired centerpiece. Use natural items such as rose petals, lavender buds, and chamomile flowers as potpourri. Or you can add some ginger and cloves to a vase of flowers to give it a warm, spicy scent.
