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Mixed spice is a blend of spices commonly used in British and Irish baking, especially during the holidays. You can easily make it at home by measuring and combining spices such as allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, mace, cloves, coriander seeds, and ginger. The blend is versatile and can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes, including cakes, cookies, stewed fruit, curries, stews, soups, and pies. To ensure the best flavour, it is recommended to use the mix within six months and store it in an airtight container away from direct heat, sunlight, or moisture.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use | Sweet and savoury dishes, including cakes, cookies, stewed fruit, curries, stews, soups, pies, dips, smoothies, and more |
| Ingredients | Allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, mace, cloves, coriander seeds, ginger |
| Recipe | Measure and combine ingredients in a bowl, jar, or blender. Store in an airtight container away from direct heat, sunlight, or light in general |
| Freshness | Use within 6 months for the most flavour |
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What You'll Learn
Measuring and combining spices
Making your own mixed spice blend is simple and only requires measuring and combining the right spices. To make a balanced blend, you'll need to measure out specific quantities of each spice. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Measuring the Spices
Start by gathering the spices you'll need. The exact spices and their quantities may vary depending on your personal preference and the specific blend you're aiming for. However, a basic mixed spice blend typically includes:
- Ground cinnamon
- Ground nutmeg
- Ground mace
- Ground cloves
- Ground ginger
- Ground coriander seeds (optional)
Measure out equal quantities of each spice. A common measurement is to use one tablespoon of each spice, with half the amount of mace and the other spices. So, for a small batch, you'd need one tablespoon of cinnamon, one tablespoon of nutmeg, two teaspoons of mace, one teaspoon of cloves, one teaspoon of ginger, and one teaspoon of coriander seeds.
Combining the Spices
Once you've measured out your spices, it's time to combine them:
- Using a bowl and a spoon: Add all the spices to a bowl and mix them together thoroughly until they are fully incorporated.
- Using a jar: Place the spices in a jar, seal it tightly, and shake vigorously until the spices are evenly mixed.
- Using a blender: Put all the spices in a blender and pulse briefly on a low setting. Be careful not to over-blend, as you don't want to turn it into a powder.
Storage
After combining the spices, store your mixed spice blend in an airtight jar or container. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat. The blend will stay fresh and flavorful for up to six months if stored properly.
Feel free to experiment with the quantities and add extra spices to create your unique blend. Enjoy your homemade mixed spice blend in various dishes, both sweet and savory!
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Storing mixed spice
Mixed spice should be stored in an airtight container, in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Glass jars with tight-fitting lids, ceramic containers, or stainless steel tins work well for maintaining freshness. The container should be made of materials that won't react with the spices.
If you buy mixed spice in bulk, transfer it to a smaller jar. The more air space in the container, the faster the spices will go bad. If you prefer to keep your mixed spice in bags, place those in a container with a tightly fitted lid.
It's a good idea to store your mixed spice in a shallow drawer near the stove or wherever you prep food. That way, it's easy to access even if your hands are busy with food prep. If the drawer height is sufficient, the spice jar can stand up vertically and be secured in place with DIY drawer dividers. Otherwise, lay them flat on a slight angle with a spice jar organiser.
If you have a narrow pull-out cabinet, this is also a perfect spot to store small items such as spices. If you're keeping your mixed spice in a cabinet, consider adding a shelf organiser to keep containers in line.
If you use clear glass containers, be sure to store them in a dark pantry or spice drawer to protect them from light, which can degrade their quality over time.
To keep tabs on freshness, grab a permanent marker and tape and label the goods with the date you opened them. Generally, ground spices will last about six months while whole spices can retain their flavour for up to five years. If your mixed spice has lost its aroma, flavour, or colour, it's time to replace it.
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Using mixed spice in sweet dishes
Mixed spice is a blend of sweet spices commonly used in British and Irish baking, especially during the Christmas season. It is an essential ingredient in many traditional holiday baked goods and desserts, such as Christmas cakes, Christmas puddings, mince pies, and hot cross buns. The blend is versatile and can be used in various sweet dishes, adding a warm and sweet-spicy flavour.
When creating sweet dishes with mixed spice, it is important to use fresh spices to ensure the best flavour and aroma. The blend typically has cinnamon as the dominant flavour, with notes of ginger, allspice, and sometimes nutmeg. These spices can be ground from whole spices or used as fresh pre-ground spices, and then combined and stored in an airtight container.
One popular way to use mixed spice is in apple pies. The blend enhances the flavour of the apples and creates a delicious, sweet-spicy dessert. Mixed spice can also be used in other pie fillings or traybakes, adding a unique twist to traditional recipes. For those who enjoy baking bread, mixed spice can be incorporated into sweet bread recipes like hot cross buns or cinnamon rolls, providing a warm and inviting aroma.
During the holiday season, mixed spice truly shines in Christmas desserts. Besides the aforementioned Christmas cakes and puddings, mixed spice is excellent in figgy pudding, mincemeat pies, and even breakfast treats like spiced applesauce. For those who enjoy a touch of spice in their morning routine, a pinch of mixed spice can elevate everyday dishes like oatmeal or French toast.
When creating sweet dishes with mixed spice, the possibilities are endless. The blend adds a delightful warmth and depth of flavour to any recipe calling for cinnamon or other sweet spices. Whether used in traditional holiday baking or creative new dishes, mixed spice is a versatile and essential ingredient for any baker or cook looking to add a touch of spice to their creations.
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Using mixed spice in savoury dishes
Mixed spice is a spice blend commonly used in British and Irish baking, especially during Christmas. It typically includes cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, mace, cloves, ginger, coriander, caraway, cardamom, and star anise. While it is predominantly used in sweet dishes, mixed spice can also be used to enhance the flavour of savoury dishes.
Seasoning for Meats
Enhance the flavour of your roast chicken or turkey by using mixed spice as a seasoning rub. The warm and earthy spices in the blend will complement the natural flavours of the meat, resulting in a juicy and aromatic roast.
Stuffing Mixes
Add a unique twist to your stuffing mixes by incorporating mixed spice. The blend's sweet and savoury notes will elevate the flavour of your stuffing, making it a perfect accompaniment to your holiday roast or special occasion meal.
Soups and Dips
Create depth of flavour in your soups and dips by adding a pinch of mixed spice. Its complex blend of spices will add warmth and depth to creamy soups or bean-based dips. For a smooth and creamy texture, blend the spices with the other ingredients to create a harmonious and flavourful dish.
Savoury Bakes
While mixed spice is commonly used in sweet bakes, it can also be incorporated into savoury baked goods. Try adding a small amount to savoury scones, biscuits, or bread for a subtle hint of warmth and spice. The blend can also be used in pastry for a savoury pie or quiche, adding a depth of flavour to the crust.
Spice Blends
Create your own customised spice blends by using mixed spice as a base. Add or emphasise certain spices to create unique blends that cater to specific savoury dishes. For example, emphasise the coriander and cumin for a savoury spice blend perfect for curries or vegetable dishes.
Remember, when using mixed spice in savoury dishes, it is essential to consider the dominant flavours of the dish and adjust the amount of mixed spice accordingly. A little can go a long way, so start with a small amount and adjust to taste. Enjoy experimenting with this versatile spice blend!
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Substitutes for mixed spice
Mixed spice is a spice blend commonly used in British and Irish baking, especially around Christmas. It is similar to pumpkin pie spice, which can be used as a substitute if you don't want to make your own mixed spice blend.
Pumpkin pie spice is the American equivalent of mixed spice and has a very similar blend of spices. It can be easily found in stores or online if you're based in the US. If you can't get your hands on either of these spice blends, you can try using individual spices that are commonly found in mixed spice.
One recipe for mixed spice includes 40% kassia-cinnamon, 38% ground coriander, 12% caraway seeds, 4% ground nutmeg, and 3% each of ground dried ginger and cloves. Play around with the ratios to find a combination that suits your taste preferences.
Alternatively, if you're looking for a simpler solution, you can use equal parts of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice as a substitute for mixed spice. This combination will give you a similar flavour profile without the need for multiple spices.
Keep in mind that the best way to enjoy the full flavour of your spices is to use them within six months of preparation. Spices tend to lose their flavour over time, so it's recommended to make small batches and use them frequently for the best results.
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Frequently asked questions
Mixed spice is a versatile blend used in both sweet and savoury dishes. It can be used in cakes, cookies, stewed fruit, curries, stews, soups, dips, and pies.
You will need the following spices: allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, mace, cloves, coriander seeds, and ginger.
Measure out 1 tablespoon each of ground allspice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add 2 teaspoons of ground mace, and 1 teaspoon each of ground cloves, coriander seeds, and ginger. Combine the spices by mixing, shaking, or blending. Store the mixed spice in an airtight container away from direct sunlight and use within 6 months for the best flavour.
