Spiceology

Cinnamon, cardamom, cumin, caraway; licorice, juniper, ginger and coriander.
Exotic spices intoxicate the scenes in a way that is incomparable.
Sweet potatoes never tasted so good as when they're diced and paired with rich sweet cream butter, brown sugar, a dusting of cinnamon powder , a dash of fresh grated nutmeg, and a splash of orange juice with a slight grating of orange zest and roasted until golden brown. It's so good that it can be a meal by itself, what would it be without the spices?
If your home made vanilla ice cream isn't "making the grade", just not "hitting the mark", change its latitude completely and add an infusion of lavender blossoms or jasmine tea leaves ; you might like to try green tea too, or ginger syrup.... the possibilities are endless once you get thinking about it.
Perhaps you're tired of the boring you to tears pan fried green tomatoes or Irish potatoes, add some cardamom pods, or fennel seeds to the oil you fry them in ,and feel your taste buds tingle with appreciation for the difference.
If you've never tried green plantains sliced thinly and fried in chili oil... be my guest... it just might be the missing accompaniment in many of your meals.
Why should additions be confined to spices?; using an unusual or unexpected ingredient in an otherwise ordinary everyday menu item makes life and culinary endeavors that much more interesting and exciting, both for the chef, and for those who partake of the creations.
For instance, let's say you're crazy for the taste of salt water taffy or that you would walk to the end of the world for a piece of a bourbon pecan praline,the next time you make a cake or some butter cream frosting for the cake... chop it up and throw it in to the batter, just for kicks.
The next time you make a pot of creamy pollenta add a handful of fresh chopped marjoram to it and marvel at the difference, or put some just just picked sage in the seasoned rice. Put some peppermint leaves in your cup before you pour in your morning coffee... and really open your eyes.
The use of spices in the creation of food changes the mundane into the unforgettable.
Add some edible flowers to the Caesar salad or some orange segments to the gazpacho.
Dare to be different, challenge the normal, put your own spin on the traditional and find yourself transported to a culinary world where no flavour combination is unquestionable and experimentation becomes a way of life in your kitchen.
Sliced plums in the chicken salad, basil mayonnaise for the pressed Monte Cristo sandwiches, a lime chili pepper sorbet?? why not??
I could go on and on forever about the merits of exploration and experimentation in the world of food; but don't take my word for how fabulous it can be... set sail into the world of the unknown let me know what you find.

Copyright - Alison West 2009