Wednesday 24 September 2014

Spices - a book by Sophie Grigson

 


If you like to cook but aren't confident with all the different spices out there, this book by Sophie Grigson is the book for you.  The book looks at each spice, its history and uses.  Recipes are also included.
You may have seen the author on TV.  She started out as a mathematician believe it or not but converted to the world of food.  She is a prolific cookbook writer but this is the first of her books I have ever read.
The spices she talks about include: chillies, mustard seed, paprika, pepper, fenugreek, sumac, turmeric, coriander, cumin, juniper, ginger, saffron, caraway, fennel, star anise, nigella, poppy seed, cardamom, allspice, cinnamon, vanilla, cloves, nutmeg (& mace), vanilla and spice blends.
I found it really interesting and learned a lot.  She does advise you to throw out ground spices once they've been opened more than 6 months – I must admit that seems a bit extravagant for me.  I'd love to find a place where I could buy small quantities of really good quality spices.
This book has inspired me to think about scheduling a monthly post about  different spices, herbs etc.

 

6 comments:

  1. I'm not afraid of using spices at all, but I'd love to read this book because I am a huge spice lover and user! Thanks for the review.

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  2. Sounds like a great book....I would love to be more adventuresome with spices!

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  3. I love to use spices and herbs they add so much flavour to a dish. But Im often unsure what to use where so I think I need this cook book to tell me!

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  4. Wow, this book sounds amazing!! Thank you for sharing it with us!!

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  5. Sounds wonderful.

    Oh dear on throwing out spices six months old. I am so guilty of keeping them longer. :)

    Stopping by from Carole's Books You Loved October Edition. I am in the list as #16.

    My book entry is below. It was a mystery.

    Elizabeth
    Silver's Reviews
    My Book Entry

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