The powdered spice mixture known as mixed spice, often known as pudding spice, is widely used in British cooking. Many classic British recipes, especially Christmas treats, as well as cakes, pies, and baked goods use the toasty flavourings in this blend. Although it is always available, finding it outside of Britain could be challenging.
A British spice mixture is called mixed spice. This spice blend combines particular components, despite having some versatility. The term "mixed spice" refers to a combination of cinnamon, coriander seed, caraway, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, allspice, and mace. Allspice is a component of mixed spice, however you cannot use just one spice in place of the whole batch. Allspice, which is the dried unripe fruit of Pimenta dioica, is not a blend despite the fact that these two are sometimes confused. Other names for it include Turkish yenibahar, Jamaica pepper, pepper, myrtle pepper, pimenta, and new spice.
Origin
There is a listing for mixed spices in the table of contents in Mrs. Frazer's 1795 book "The Practice of Cookery," although it may not have been until the 1800s before it was an ingredient in British cookbooks due to the fact that it was known by several names, such as "sweet spice." With its warm, slightly sweet, slightly spicy flavour notes, British mixed spice is comparable to gingerbread spice. The flavours that we typically associate with the fall and winter are perfectly combined in this dish.
Cooking
The majority of the spices in this mixture are sweet, with cinnamon taking centre stage. It is most frequently blended with other sweet substances, sprinkled over fruit, or used in baking. Because of its rather rich flavour, the spice is frequently used in holiday pastries and other recipes for celebrations. But mixed spice isn't just for sweet pastries; a little bit in a casserole is always appreciated. It is also used in cookies, pancakes, breads, and fruit salads. Mixed spice is also called to as "cake spice" or "pudding spice" since it is so regularly used in British holiday baked goods and puddings. Try using the spice mixture in stuffing or as a seasoning for poultry if you appreciate these warm flavours in savoury cuisine.
Recipe
A finely crafted mix of blended spices typically comes pre-mixed. Although it requires extremely accurate measuring, trying to make the right mixture at home is not difficult.
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
1 tbsp ground nutmeg
2 tsp ground mace
1 tsp ground cloves
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tbsp ground allspice
Gently combine all the ingredients in a bowl, then seal the bowl tightly. The spices should remain fresh for three months. Before usage, thoroughly shake the mixture.
Storage
The blend will remain fresh for a few months when kept in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight. Mixed spice is typically packaged in glass jars or cellophane packets. Although entire spice berries keep nicely, don't put ground spices in the freezer.
