Transform Your Cooking with Our Homemade Mixed Spice Blend
Are you looking for a way to add some zest to your recipes and bring your cooking to the next level? Look no further than this traditional old fashioned English pudding spice recipe. Mixed spice is a blend of sweet spices traditionally used in English cooking to provide a warming backnote – typically in dishes like bread pudding, butter pudding or British Christmas pudding.
This recipe mixed spice blend contains ingredients such as cinnamon, coriander powder, ground cardamom, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, allspice and cloves; all perfectly balanced to give you the most flavorful seasoning possible.
The spice blend has roots dating back centuries and was commonly known as “all-spice” – not to be confused with the tropical berry that yields pimento. This British mixed spice is traditionally used in the making of Christmas dessert or Xmas pudding – an extremely popular dish served during Christmas time in Ireland and the UK.
This recipe will make it easy and affordable for you to create your own delicious homemade mixed spice that can be used to add depth and warmth to any baked goods or savory dishes that call for sweet spices. There’s nothing like the aroma of fresh baking wafting through your home during the holiday season!
With detailed instructions and recommendations, this recipe will guide you through making your own perfect batch of mixed spice. And once you try it out in one of your favorite recipes, I guarantee it will become a staple in your cooking arsenal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Hey there! I want to tell you about my all-time favorite spice blend for any British dessert – mixed spice. Trust me, once you try this old-fashioned English pudding spice recipe, you’ll never go back to your basic spices again!
What makes this so special? Well, for starters, it’s a perfect combination of sweet spices traditionally used in English cooking that provide a warming backnote, typically found in British desserts such as bread pudding and the classic Christmas pudding. The ingredients include 2 teaspoons of ground coriander powder, 2 teaspoons of ground cardamom, 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, 2 teaspoons of ground allspice, 2 teaspoons of ground nutmeg, and 2 teaspoons of cloves.
This spice mixture has been used in British homes for centuries to add that extra zing and delicate aroma to their dishes. It’s a staple ingredient in British Christmas dessert recipes such as the Xmas pudding or butter pudding. But let me tell you- it is so versatile that you can use it in any baked treat – from cakes and pies to even savory dishes like curries!
The best part? You can easily make your own batch! This mixed spice recipe has just the right combination of each spice to create a truly sensational flavor profile. By making your own mix at home, you have total control over the ratio of each ingredient so you can adjust the flavor how you like best.
So why will you love this recipe? Because mixed spice is an excellent addition to any dessert recipe needing some sweetness or even just a warm note. Not only does it add fantastic flavors but also a delightful aroma reminiscent of Christmas carol ambiance. Plus, when making your mix at home using these high-quality sweet spices will then guarantee fresh and potent flavors every time.
I hope I’ve convinced you that this isn’t just any spice blend; it’s THE spice blend that will elevate your desserts from basic to next-level delicious. Give it a try, and you won’t be disappointed!
Ingredient List
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Mixed Spice Blend: British mixed spice is a traditionally used blend of warm and aromatic spices that provide a warming backnote, typically English. It is also known as pudding spice or Christmas spice mixture. You can purchase it pre-made or make your own with ingredients including 1 tablespoon ground coriander powder, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon ground ginger, ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg, ½ teaspoon ground cloves, and ½ teaspoon ground allspice.
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Cinnamon Sticks: English mixed spice traditionally contains cinnamon sticks, so I recommend using them to add more depth of flavor to your recipe.
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Cardamom: It adds an herbal, almost floral note to baked goods and is unheard-of in many other cultures. To make the spice powder, use 2 teaspoons of cardamom as an ingredient.
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Nutmeg: When freshly grated, nutmeg adds a unique and uplifting note that rounds out the other spices in the mix. Use 2 teaspoons of freshly grated or pre-ground nutmeg.
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Cloves: They have a rich, deep, and slightly bitter flavor profile that pairs well with sweet fruits and other spices found in English baking. You will need 2 teaspoons for this recipe.
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Ginger: A little ginger brings a warming note to the mixture with its slight pungency providing great zingy spiciness. Use one (1) teaspoon of ground ginger for this mix.
Other Ingredients
Besides all these wonderful spices, you’ll need:
- 1 piece cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons allspice
- 2 teaspoons cloves
- 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
Using high-quality British mixed spice ingredients will ensure that your recipe comes out perfectly every time!
The Recipe How-To
Follow these simple steps to create your own Mixed Spice traditional old fashioned English pudding spice recipe:
Step 1: Gather the ingredients
Assemble the necessary spices for this mix that includes a blend of sweet spices traditionally used in English cooking. For the best quality mix, use freshly ground spices.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
Step 2: Mix together the spices
In a small bowl, simply mix all of the spices together evenly. You can adjust the quantities to your preferred taste.
Step 3: Store your Mixed Spice
Transfer your mixed spice to an airtight container and store it in a dry place, away from heat and direct sunlight to preserve its freshness longer.
That’s it! You now have your own British Mixed Spice blend to use in various recipes, such as bread pudding, Christmas pudding, butter pudding, or any other Christmas dessert recipes you may come across. It provides a warming backnote that is typically English, making it a perfect ingredient for any British or Irish classic recipe.
Substitutions and Variations
Now, I know that not everyone has the exact same ingredients in their pantry. That’s why I’ve put together a list of potential substitutions and variations for this mixed spice recipe to give you some options.
First off, let’s talk about possible substitutions. If you don’t have ground coriander on hand, you can use coriander powder instead. Similarly, if you’re out of ground ginger, fresh ginger can be used in its place. If you don’t have allspice or cloves, try using a combination of cardamom and cinnamon or nutmeg in their place.
Now let’s explore some variations. This spice blend is perfect for adding warm flavors to bread pudding, Christmas pudding, or butter pudding, but it can also be used to add flavor to just about any dessert or baked good. Try adding a dash of mixed spice to your pancake or waffle batter in the morning for an extra burst of flavor.
If you want to experiment with the ratio of sweet spices in the blend, feel free to adjust it to your liking. Some recipes use more cinnamon or nutmeg than others, so play around with it until you find your perfect balance.
Lastly, let me suggest an Irish twist on this classic British spice blend. Add a pinch of ground cardamom and a teaspoon of black tea leaves (such as Irish breakfast tea) for an Irish-inspired mixed spice that brings new flavors to your holiday baking.
Whether you stick to the traditional British mixed spice recipe or customize it with new flavors and ingredients, this versatile spice blend is sure to elevate your baking game and provide deliciously warming notes that typify English cooking!
Serving and Pairing
Now that you have your delicious mixed spice blend, it’s time to put it to use! This spice is incredibly versatile and pairs well with many different types of dishes. Traditionally, it is used in English cooking to provide a warming backnote to sweet dishes, but there are many creative ways that you can use it.
One of the most popular uses of mixed spice is in the traditional British Christmas pudding. It adds a wonderful depth of flavor to this classic dessert and gives it that signature holiday taste. You can also use it in other Christmas desserts like butter pudding or even savory dishes like stuffing for your holiday turkey.
Another great way to use mixed spice is in bread pudding. This old fashioned English pudding recipe is made with stale bread, eggs, milk, sugar, and spices. The mixed spice blend will give your bread pudding recipe an irresistible aroma and earthy taste.
If you want to try something a little different, you could use mixed spice as a seasoning for roasted nuts or even sprinkle some on your morning oatmeal for a warm and comforting breakfast.
For serving and pairing this versatile spice, I recommend pairing it with some Irish coffee or a hot cup of tea. The spices in the blend will wake up your senses and complement the rich flavors of these popular hot drinks.
No matter how you choose to use your mixed spice blend, be sure to experiment with different flavors and find what works best for you. With its warm and comforting notes of cinnamon, coriander, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, allspice, this British mixed spice blend will bring any dish to life!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now that you’ve made your batch of delicious mixed spice, you’ll want to make sure it stays fresh and flavorful for as long as possible. Luckily, this spice blend is incredibly versatile and easy to store.
If you’re planning on using the mixed spice in a recipe where it’s not the star ingredient, like a bread pudding or butter pudding, you can easily make it ahead of time and store it in an airtight container for up to six months. This will allow the flavors to meld together even more, resulting in a richer, more complex taste.
When it comes to reheating your dish with mixed spice, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, be careful not to overdo it. You don’t want the spices to overpower the other flavors in your dish. Start with a small amount and taste as you go until you achieve the desired level of flavor.
If you’re reheating a bread pudding or other baked treat with mixed spice, simply pop it in the oven for a few minutes until heated through. If you’re adding mixed spice to a savory dish like stew or soup, add it at the end of cooking to avoid losing any of its aroma and flavor.
With these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to enjoy the warm and inviting flavors of British mixed spice all year round, whether it’s in a traditional Christmas dessert or just as a comforting backnote in your everyday cooking.
Tips for Perfect Results
As a chef who specializes in traditional British cuisine, I’ve made my fair share of mixed spice over the years. Here are my top tips to make sure you get the best results out of this recipe:
1. Use high-quality spices: The quality of your spice blend will make a big difference in the final flavor of your dish. Choose fresh, high-quality ground coriander, cardamom, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice for the best results.
2. Mix with care: When making your mixed spice blend, mix the spices well with a whisk or fork so that you have an even blend. Unevenly mixed spice can lead to unbalanced flavors in your dish.
3. Adjust to taste: Be sure to taste your mixed spice blend as you go and adjust the amounts of each spice as needed to suit your preference. Some people prefer more cinnamon or nutmeg than others.
4. Use in moderation: While mixed spice is a crucial ingredient in many British desserts like Christmas pudding or bread and butter pudding, it should be used in moderation. Too much mixed spice can overwhelm the other flavors in your dish.
5. Store properly: Store your mixed spice blend in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to maintain its freshness and potency for future use.
By following these simple tips, you’ll be able to achieve the perfect balance of warm and cozy flavors that make traditional British dishes so comforting and satisfying.
FAQ
Before we wrap up this recipe article on how to make a traditional old-fashioned English pudding spice mix, let me share with you some frequently asked questions about this recipe that might be lurking in your mind. So, hang on tight as I answer these questions and give you more clarity and confidence in creating this British mixed spice blend.
What’s in English mixed spice?
If you’re looking to add some depth of flavor to your British cuisine, give mixed spice a try. This spice blend is made up of a combination of ground spices, including cinnamon, coriander seed, caraway, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, allspice, and mace. While there is room for a little variation in the recipe, these ingredients are essential for striking the perfect balance of flavors.
What is in pudding spice?
Pudding spice is a classic blend of fragrant and cozy flavors that includes cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, coriander, clove, and mace. This traditional mix, which hails from the UK, is used to add a touch of sweetness and warmth to a vast range of delectable desserts such as cakes, biscuits, mincemeats, rice puddings, and Christmas treats, among others.
Is English mixed spice the same as allspice?
Although they may seem similar, Allspice and Mixed Spice are actually quite different. Allspice, also called myrtle pepper, comes from drying and grinding the allspice berry, while Mixed Spice is a blend of various spices. Unlike Mixed Spice, which contains multiple flavors, Allspice has an intense, rich, and fruity taste.
What can I use instead of mixed spice UK?
Creating your own spice blend can vary depending on the spices you have at hand. To begin, it’s recommended to use 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon, 2 teaspoons of ground coriander, and 1 teaspoon each of ground nutmeg and ground ginger if available.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the mixed spice recipe is a traditional old-fashioned English pudding spice blend that will transform any plain dessert into a mouth-watering delicacy. The combination of ground coriander, cardamom, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice creates a unique and aromatic blend of sweet spices that have traditionally been used in English cooking to provide a warming backnote.
Whether you are making bread pudding, Christmas puddings, or butter pudding, adding this British mixed spice will take your dessert to another level. It’s an essential ingredient that adds depth and complexity to any dish with its subtle yet noticeable flavor.
With this recipe guide, you can easily make your own spice blend at home in no time. Plus, there are tips and tricks for perfect results, substitutions and variations, serving and pairing suggestions, as well as make-ahead and storage options.
So why not put on some Christmas carols or Irish ballads, get into the holiday mood and try out this amazing mixed spice recipe today! Trust me; once you taste the difference mixed spice makes to your recipe, you’ll never go back to plain old desserts. Impress your family and friends with this traditional British flavor and enjoy a truly authentic experience!
Mixed Spice - Traditional Old Fashioned English Pudding Spice Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons allspice
- 2 inches piece cinnamon sticks
- 2 teaspoons cloves
- 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander (optional)
Instructions
- Grind the allspice, cinnamon and cloves to a fine powder and then mix well with the ground nutmeg and ginger.
- Add the finely ground cardamom and corainder seeds, if using, and mix well again.
- Use at once or store in an airtight jar in a cool dry place, and away from light.
- Makes an unusual and attractive gift, especially at Christmas - add a recipe tag and tie a ribbon around the top of the jar with pretty seasonal paper or material.
Nutrition
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Brian is a British chef cum food blogger who has been in the kitchen since he was a young lad. Growing up in Manchester, he developed a passion for cooking and a keen eye for the perfect dish. He now runs his own blog and YouTube channel, which is dedicated to sharing his passion for food with the world.