From cinnamon, ginger and cloves to ground allspice or star anise, spices have been a key ingredient in festive foods for centuries. And whether used in a fruit cake, mince pies and Christmas pudding, or to add depth of flavour to a mulled drink, they add just the right dose of festive flavour.
Making your own festive spice is much easier than you may have first thought and Christmas fairy dust packed into pretty little jars, ideal for topping cakes and biscuits, make for wonderful home-made gifts for friends and family.
Simple festive spice
Combine and mix 4 heaped tablespoons of ground cinnamon, 3 of ground coriander, 2 heaped teaspoons of nutmeg, 1 of ground ginger, ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves, the zest of 1 orange and 1 lemon, 2 teaspoons of light brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of sea salt.
It’s a basic spice mix that can mixed into numerous recipes, whether breakfast, lunch or dinner. Top Christmas spiced lattes, or add to pancakes and honey cookies. You can even whip it into a fluffy buttercream frosting to give your cakes a real festive edge this year.
Festive fairy dust
Adding festive fairy dust to your meals is a great way to really get in the seasonal spirit. Take the spice mixture above and just carefully mix in 200g of icing sugar. Jars of this make brilliant home-made gifts, especially if you’re creatively inclined and can print off some personalised labels or stickers before popping them under the tree.
Sugar mix
Sprinkle a sugary, spicy mix over warm biscuits, mince pies and even popcorn. It’s perfect for dusting hot drinks or even giving a sweet and sticky jus on meats and mains. Infuse cream with this sugar mix before you make icing or ganache-based desserts and the flavours will be present as the recipe comes together. We love 5 heaped tablespoons of light brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of ground allspice or anise, all mixed up with some finely grated citrus zest. If you want to really make those meats pop then add some bashed up fresh bay leaves, thyme or rosemary for even more flavour.
Add some sugar and spice this season
From sugar donuts to cinnamon-laced cereal
AED 26.50 / Each
Kellogg's Pop Tarts brown sugar cinnamon 397g
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