We enjoyed this selection of organic fall and winter recipe delights from Yankee Harvest and wanted to pass these organic recipes along to our readers. Remember to look to Starwest for your selection of the finest organic culinary spices. We are a certified organic herbs processor and carry a fantastic selection of organic herbs and organic spices for all of you cooking needs.

Yankee Harvest Organic Kitchen Recipes >>

Spice rubs are unique in that while there are many different ways to add spices to food, before, during and after cooking, spices are most effective when added prior to the cooking process. The most popular way to do this is by allowing the food to marinate in spices mixed with some kind of liquid, such as olive oil, citrus juice or wine. Another delicious to add extra flair to your cooking methods are to use a spice rub.

What are Spice Rubs

A spice rub is really quite simple; it is nothing more than a mixture of spices and herbs that are literally “rubbed” on to the surface of the food before it is cooked. One of the oldest and most common spice rubs is coarsely-ground black pepper.

For Spice rubs, the grind is important; unlike table spices and those added during sautéing or boiling, these spices are of either of a fairly coarse grind or simply crushed. Spice rub may be applied to the food several hours prior to cooking in order to impart the flavors; it may be left on during the cooking process or removed just prior to applying heat.

Spice rubs are most effective for dry-heat methods of cooking, such as baking, broiling or grilling; pan-frying may be appropriate for spice rubs that contain flour or bread crumbs. Spice rubs are usually applied to meats and fish, but can be used for grilled vegetables such as eggplant as well.

A Personal Thing

In the old days, most cultures and even families came up with their own spice rubs; in many cases, the recipes were closely-guarded secrets passed down from one generation to another.

As modern life has made increasing demands and people find less and less time for food preparation, commercially-prepared spice rubs have become increasingly available. Cajun spice rub is one of the more popular choices, but it is by no means the only one. Here at Starwest Botanicals, you can find a number of different spice rubs for various meats, including beef rubs , poultry rubs , pork rubs and fish rubs. You wont want to miss our Jamaican Jerk Seasoning! These spice rubs are carefully blended from high-quality, organic herbs and spices and can be delivered right to your door.

About Starwest Botanicals

Starwest is the foremost Internet supplier of bulk herbs and spices as well as essential oils and herbal extracts.

A recent news article from local ABC news station WLS-TV in Chicago announced earlier this year that Dr. Marcia Schurer a 56-year-old woman lost 35 pounds – 20 percent of her weight – four years ago and has kept it off ever since. The secret in her success lies in a low fat diet. This is the entire recipe for Grilled Chicken with Chili Spice Rub they share.

For those who want to purchase pre-mixed spices and seasoning blends Starwest also offers a selection of all natural organic rubs including Organic Mediterranean Seafood Rub, , Organic Savory Beef Rub, and Organic Roasted Pork Rub. Starwest all-natural rubs are each made from a delicious combination of certified organic spices, seasonings, and herbs that add unique flavor to meat, seafood and vegetables.

Grilled Chicken with Chili Spice Rub

1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1 ½” strips
1 Tbsp. chili spice rub (see recipe)
Extra virgin olive oil cooking spray

Heat the grill pan over a medium high heat for 3 minutes. Rub or sprinkle the chicken pieces with the chili spice rub on both sides and then lightly spray the pieces with the olive oil cooking spray. Grill the chicken for about 4 – 6 minutes on each side or until done.

Yield: 12 oz.
Per 12 ounces cooked: 517 Calories; 10g Fat (16.2% calories from fat); 107g Protein; 5g Carbohydrate; 2g Dietary Fiber; 263mg Cholesterol; 338mg Sodium.

Per 1 ounce cooked: 43 Calories; 1g Fat (16.2% calories from fat); 9g Protein; trace Carbohydrate; trace Dietary Fiber; 22mg Cholesterol; 28mg Sodium.

Note: If you want your chicken more seasoned, add a little more spice rub. You can also grill the whole breast but the cooking time will take a little longer that way. Serve it as an entrée or use it to top or fill salads, sandwiches, wraps, pasta, quesadillas, or pizza. Toss the grilled chicken with some grilled red onions and red peppers to make chicken fajitas, top with some fresh chopped cilantro and then wrap it in a warm flour tortilla.

Chili Spice Rub

1 Tbsp. ground chili powder
1 Tbsp. ground cumin
1 Tbsp. ground coriander
1 Tbsp. Spanish paprika

In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, cumin, coriander, and paprika. Transfer the spice mix to a storage container until ready to use. Label and date the container.

Yield: 4 Tbsp.

Per 4 Tbsp: 81 Calories; 4g Fat (36.7% calories from fat); 4g Protein; 13g Carbohydrate; 5g Dietary Fiber; 0mg Cholesterol; 90mg Sodium.

Per 1 Tbsp: 20 Calories; 1g Fat (36.7% calories from fat); 1g Protein; 3g Carbohydrate; 1g Dietary Fiber; 0mg Cholesterol; 22mg Sodium.

Note: Use about 1 tsp. spice mix per 4 oz. boneless meat or poultry to season or about 1 Tbsp. per ¾ lb. per 1 lb. boneless meat or poultry. If you like this spice, make a double batch at a time. This is a very versatile spice rub. Use it on poultry, meats, shrimp and vegetables.

Although “pumpkin” comes from the Greek word pepon – meaning “melon” – pumpkins are not Greek, nor melons. Although they are now grown in many parts of the world, the pumpkin is a North American native and a member of the squash family.

Because pumpkins are usually ripe and ready for harvest in October and November, pumpkin pie has become a tradition during fall holidays. Not only is its nutty, sweet flavor excellent for pies and other pastries, pumpkin is also an excellent source of lutein and beta carotene (which gives pumpkins their characteristic orange color). In addition, a recent study in China suggests that consuming pumpkin may help mitigate some of effects of diabetes (from the London Daily Telegraph, 9 July 2007).

More About Pumpkin Pie

Although pumpkin has a certain degree of natural sweetness, it benefits from the addition of a number of spices when made into a pie filling.

Pumpkin pie spices are those that are associated with desserts and other dishes such as pancakes and yams, and include cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg and allspice. At Starwest Botanicals, you can get all of these in one package, pre-measured and blended in just the right proportions for your convenience. You can choose from either Certified Organic pumpkin pie spice or regular salt-free Pumpkin Pie Spice, and you can save a great deal when you purchase it by the pound – which will make a good many pumpkin pies!

Either way, Starwest Pumpkin Pie Spices are of the highest quality and properly stored, will keep for many years.

About Starwest Botanicals

Starwest is the foremost Internet supplier of bulk organic herbs and spices as well as essential oils and herbal extracts.

Known worldwide for the spectacular Taj Mahal, India not only boasts fabulous architecture but also an exquisite cuisine. There are several herbs and spices used in Indian dishes, with a few reaching common use and becoming the most popular.

There are several ingredients that are commonly found in Indian cuisine. They include rice, wheat flour, lentils and split peas, as well as vegetable oils and ghee, or clarified butter. Some of the most popular Indian food spices are chili peppers, mustard seed, turmeric, fenugreek seed, ginger root, coriander seed, cumin seed and garlic. There is a spice blend known as garam masala that is widely used in Indian cooking, and although the exact recipe varies according to geographical region, it often consists of cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, pepper, cumin and coriander. Curry powder is also used as one of the most popular Indian spices for cooking.

Indian Cuisine is Enjoyed Around the World

Dishes that you will likely find in the northern parts of India include Naan, which is a flat bread, and Tandoori Chicken, which is chicken marinated in spices and yogurt and then baked in a tandoor oven. Butter Chicken, another northern favorite, also utilizes a yogurt marinade but includes tomato puree in the sauce. Samosas, which are little dough pockets filled with a variety of vegetables, cheeses or meats, are deep fried and often served with seasoned yogurt sauces as accompaniments. Kebabs of meat cubes that are placed on skewers and grilled are also popular. In general the dishes favored in Northern India are mildly spiced.

Biryani is a dish that is often served in the southern part of India. A pan of rice is cooked, and forms a base upon which is placed cooked vegetables, possibly cooked meats, and a seasoned sauce. The sauce may be spiced with garam masala, ginger, garlic, mint leaves and saffron. Southern Indian dishes gravitate toward spicy and hot flavors.

A curry is a dish that includes a sauce or gravy. Curries vary by region in India, but often include the Indian food spices cumin, fenugreek, coriander, turmeric and red pepper, and contain a bit of spicy heat.

Dal is an Indian dish that is made from lentils or beans. It has the thickness of a stew, and may be eaten with rice or flat bread. Lentils are also used to make a soup called Sambar, which uses the Indian food spices of tamarind, asafoetida and turmeric.

You can easily stock garam masala and other of the most popular Indian spices for cooking in your kitchen spice rack so that you will always be prepared to create these zesty dishes at home.

For you convenience, Starwest Botanicals carries a full line of jar spices as a part their extensive line of spices.

Most people enjoy the spicy and sweet flavor of anise seed, perhaps because of early memories of sitting in a movie theatre enjoying black licorice strings as you watch a picture. Anise seed comes from an herbaceous plant that is native to warm Mediterranean and southwest Asian climates. The flowers of the plant are produced in white umbrels that then produce the seeds that are used in anise seed recipes.

Anise seed can be used both in cooking and in liquor. Liquors from around the world feature anise, including Greek Ouzo and French Absinthe and Pastis. The liquor, in Europe, is typically cut with water; when water is added to the glass of Ouzo, for example, it turns a milky white color and retains its anise flavor at a less potent level than the undiluted spirits. This is the way it is often enjoyed in Greece, and it is typically served at a taverna with small plates of salty and savory meze items such as kalamata olives, possibly tiny meatballs, goat cheese and yogurt dips and spreads with crusty bread, as well as cubes of feta cheese and other tasty morsels.

When you buy anise seed, you will want to look for fresh dried herbs. Dried herbs, if properly stored in an airtight container in a dark cupboard, will last up to a year and still retain their vital aroma and taste.

Many cooks use anise seed recipes for special sweet treats. There are many desserts that feature this wonderful seed, including anise seed cookies. Many anise seed cookies are as simple as a classic sugar cookie base with anise seed added, turning the sugar cookies into anise seed cookies. This is an excellent way to feature the anise seed, because the buttery cookie does not compete with the licorice flavor of the anise seed and lets it shine. Italian cooking features Pizzelle anise seed cookies, which are made from cookie dough that is pressed in a special pizzelle iron, similar to a waffle iron in that the iron leaves a pattern on the cookie, and the final result is a thin, crisp cookie that is wonderful.

Other anise seed recipes, such as the following, are used for preparing savory foods. Rice provides a superb medium in which to feature anise seed. Here is “Rice With Anise Seed, Nuts and Raisins,” adapted from the excellent Still Life With Menu Cookbook by Mollie Katzen:

Rice With Anise Seed, Nuts and Raisins

2 cups white basmati rice
4 cups water
2 tablespoons butter
1 1/2 cups finely chopped onion
2-3 minced garlic cloves
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger or 1 teaspoon dried ginger
1 to 2 teaspoons anise seed, to taste
1 teaspoon salt, to taste
1 cup raisins
1 teaspoon grated orange rind
1 1/2 cups chopped nuts–you can use one or more of almonds, cashews, walnuts, pecans, lightly toasted

1. Place rice and water in a pot with a tight-fitting lid. Bring to a boil, then cover, and simmer undisturbed over a low heat until tender, approximately 20 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, heat the butter in a medium-sized skillet. Add the onion, garlic, ginger, anise seed and salt. Saute over low heat for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until the onion is very soft. Remove from heat.

3. When the rice is completely cooked, transfer to a serving bowl, and fluff gently with a fork. Stir in the sauteed mixture, along with the raisins and orange rind. Sprinkle the nuts over the top and serve.

Yield: 6 servings
Preparation time: 25 minutes

Fresh dried herbs from around the world are used in many ways around your home or in your business. Fresh herbs grown by suppliers located worldwide, are used in all types of cuisines and in beverages. Dried herbs are also the main ingredient in a host of wonderful teas that you enjoy with your morning paper or at the end of a long day. Dried herbs can be used in household products such as cleaning products, laundry detergents and dryer scents for your clothing. Personal care products, such as perfumes, cosmetics, body lotions and oils typically use fresh dried herbs for their fragrance. Businesses that produce food or offer dried herbs for sale to the public can benefit from the wealth of wholesale bulk herbs available online today. However, most people simply enjoy having a variety of fresh dried herbs on hand for everyday meal preparation.

Many home cooks are accustomed to turning to their spice rack to flavor their daily meals. The great attraction of keeping a variety of fresh dried herbs on hand is that you then have the opportunity to cook a plethora of dishes from many different cuisines.

Italian dishes feature fresh dried herbs such as basil. This delicious herb is used to flavor soups. It is also excellent when used dry as a tasty addition to Italian main dishes such as lasagna.

Mexican cuisine utilizes the zesty flavors of cumin, chile pepper, oregano and other fresh dried herbs and spices. These are used to flavor enchilada, burritos, fish dishes, guacamole and other South-of-the-border delights.

Creole cooking, a favorite in the Southern Gulf states, relies on many fresh dried herbs and spices to wake up those recipes. Cayenne pepper, paprika, file powder and other flavors, including dried parsley, are combined in special ways to enhance the taste of regional dishes like gumbo, jambalaya and crab cakes.

No matter which cuisine is your favorite, your culinary palate will be extended and delighted when you rely on the outstanding flavor that fresh dried herbs from Starwest provide in your dishes. To meet this need, Starwest offers a complete line of high quality Organic Spices in Jars & Pouches.

Most people, when they think of Cinnamon, they
think of a taste, or a smell. And for good reason, few spices are
used with such abundance. New information has been released, however, with regard to other, more interesting uses for this already so commonly used bark. We’ll explore that here, amongst cinnamon’s other attributes.

Culinary:

Cinnamon bark has been extensively used in the preparation of many different kind of foods. Its sweet flavor has been added to chocolate, pies, donuts, buns, candies, tea, cocoa and many other desserts. In the Middle East it is often used to enhance chicken and lamb. In the United States, cinnamon and sugar are often used to flavor cereals, bread-based dishes, and fruits, most commonly apples. Cinnamon bark is one of the few spices that can be eaten by itself.

Medicinal:

Cinnamon was once thought able to cure the common cold, and is currently used to treat diarrhea and other problems of the digestive system. Cinnamon is also high in antioxidants.

There have also been studies about cinnamon’s pharmacological effects in the treatment of type II diabetes and insulin resistance. Cinnamon is sometimes used to soothe a toothache and fight bad breath.

Surprise!

Cinnamon has been known to stave off spoilage, valued for its preservative qualities for meat due to the phenols which inhibit the bacteria responsible for spoilage. It was even used in ancient Egypt during the embalming process.

A study in the Aug. 13 issue of The Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry had Spanish scientists using a fortified cinnamon essential oil in a wax wrapping material making what they called “active paper” to store bread. The report shows that this inhibited the growth by 96 percent, prolonging freshness by up to 10 days.

Not only useful in the preserving of bread, this wrapper could be used for fruits and meats as well,
though the cinnamon used in the wrapper may transfer flavor to the product being stored. Further research is in progress relating to the rate of migration of the active compound and its relationship with antifungal effects.

Everyday, you reach for your pepper grinder and grind a bit of the savory spice that helps to flavor all sorts of foods. You might not have realized it, but peppercorns have achieved a gourmet status in all types of cuisines. There are several different types of peppercorns as well as a plethora of ways to use them.

Gourmet peppercorns come in a variety of different colors, including white, green, black and pink peppercorns. There are also different varieties of peppercorns available. Some of the most popular for cooking include Malabar and Tellicherry peppercorns.

Peppercorns come from the Pepper plant with the botanical Latin name of Piper nigrum, which is a perennial woody vine that finds its home in India. Once the plants mature, in four to five years from being planted, then they begin to produce fruit called drupes, which are the peppercorns.

Gourmet peppercorns go through several color changes as they make their way toward the prime time to harvest them. When the peppercorns are mature they turn a brilliant red color. Immature pepper is green, it is through special processing that gourmet peppercorns are dried to retain their green color. When peppercorns undergo certain types of processing they can also change color. When green pepper is cooked and then dried, it turns into what we use everyday as black pepper, because the cooking and drying darkens the outer layer of the peppercorn which covers the seed. When the skin is removed from around the peppercorn seed and the seed alone is then dried, the result is white pepper. Red pepper can be dried and labeled as “pink’; there is also another type of pink pepper that comes from different plants entirely, including Schinus molle and Schinus terebinthifolius. Pepper gets its distinctive flavor from the naturally occurring chemical piperine, which is found in pepper.

In every kitchen around the world, you will likely find some type of salt. Although it can be used in homemade eco-friendly cleansers for your home, salt, and gourmet salts in particular, are used in all types of cuisines found worldwide. Gourmet salts are unique in their type and benefits offered to cooks.

Types of Culinary Salts

Unrefined salt would include the popular sea salts. Sea salts, known as Fleur de sel, vary in flavor due to the minerals the salts contain. Raw sea salts are collected through small basins of salt water that evaporate, leaving the salt behind, or through the mining of rock salt. Salt that is totally raw is not usually eaten, however, because of the bitter taste, but is often used in bathing salts and cosmetics. Sea salts can be found in smoked varieties. Beautiful pink Himalayan mineral salts are also available. Hawaii, with its large number of beaches, is a perfect spot for harvesting Hawaiian salt.

What you normally will find in kitchens is refined salt. After gourmet salts are collected, it next goes through a refining process. This entails removing impurities through recrystallization, after which the refined salt is kiln-dried. Anticaking agents may be added, as might iodine, fluoride and folic acid. Table salt is a type of refined salt. Kosher salt is a refined salt that usually contains no additives.

Benefits That Come From Using Salt

Salt offers many benefits that come from its use in a wide variety of ways. Refined salt is used not only for cooking, what it is likely best known for, but also in industrial processes that include making paper and soap as well as dying fabric. Salt is one of the four cationic electrolytes that the body needs to stay alive, and humans need the right amount of salt so that their bodies function properly. Safe household cleansers can be made with salt as one of the main ingredients, a major benefit to everyone who prefers to not be exposed to harmful toxins in cleaning agents. You can simply put table salt on a damp sponge and use it to scour your sink, then rinse with water. For a cleanser to clean kitchen counters and bathroom surfaces, you can try a mix of plain white vinegar and salt. This can be placed in a spray bottle to make it easier to use. Copper pans can be polished if you dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a cup of plain white vinegar, and then add white flour to make a paste. By rubbing the paste on the copper pot, then letting it sit for an hour followed by rinsing in warm water, you will find that the copper surface is cleaner and you can polish it dry to bring up a nice shine. These are just a few of the many benefits that come from having sea salts available for use around your home.

Salts from Starwest Botanicals

Starwest is proud to offer a unique variety of sea and mineral salts including: Alaea Sea Salt, Himalayan Pink Mineral Salt, Hiwa Kai Sea Salt, Sel Gris Sea Salt, Yakima Smoked Sea Salt and mineral salts among many others.