There is little that beats the smell of freshly baked speculaas, spiced cake or apple pie in which warm spices play the leading role. Did you know you can very easily make speculaas spice mix yourself?

With a few spices from your kitchen cupboard you can assemble an aromatic mix that is often even more fragrant than a ready-made variant.

In this blog I share a classic recipe, a variant with allspice (piment) and three delicious ways to use your homemade speculaas spices.

What are speculaas spices?

Speculaas spices are a blend of different spices traditionally used in Dutch and Belgian baked goods.

Cinnamon usually forms the base, complemented by nutmeg, cloves, ginger, cardamom and mace, among others. Together they provide the warm, spicy flavor we know from speculaas and other autumn and winter recipes.

The exact composition differs by family, baker and region. That's exactly why making it yourself is so fun: you can adjust the mix to your own taste.

Recipe: classic speculaas spices

Allspice and clove are often confused. That's not surprising: both spices have a warm, spicy flavor and are used in stews, baking recipes and spice blends. Still, they are two different products with their own origin and character.

In this article you will discover the main differences and when it's best to choose allspice or clove.

Allspice and clove come from different plants

Allspice is the dried berry of Pimenta dioica, a tree native to Central America and the Caribbean. The spice is also called allspice or Jamaica pepper.

Clove, on the other hand, is the dried flower bud of the clove tree (Syzygium aromaticum), which originates from Indonesia.

Despite their similar aroma, they are therefore two totally different plant species.

How do the flavors differ?

The biggest difference lies in the taste.

Allspice has a complex aroma reminiscent of a combination of:

• cinnamon
• clove
• nutmeg
• a touch of pepper

Clove has a much more intense, sharper and pronounced spicy flavor. The spice is

Allspice is best known for its warm, spicy flavor that evokes cinnamon, clove and nutmeg. But besides taste, many people wonder: is allspice actually healthy? The short answer is yes. Although you usually use allspice in small amounts, this spice naturally contains several bioactive compounds and antioxidants that fit within a varied diet.

In this article you will read what allspice is, which nutrients it contains and how you can use it in a flavorful way.

What is allspice?

Allspice is the dried berry of the Pimenta dioica tree and is internationally also called allspice. The name refers to the unique flavor profile that resembles a combination of cinnamon, clove, pepper and nutmeg.

Allspice is widely used in Caribbean, Central American and European cuisines and is suitable for both savory and sweet dishes.

Read more in our blog "What is allspice and how it tastes".

Which nutrients does allspice contain?

Like many other herbs and spices, allspice contains small amounts of:

• dietary

Allspice is one of those spices you might not use every day, but it instantly gives a dish more depth. Despite the name, allspice does not consist of multiple herbs: it is a single dried berry with a surprisingly complex flavor. In this guide you will read what allspice exactly is, how it tastes and how to use it in the kitchen.

What is allspice?

Allspice is the dried berry of the allspice tree (Pimenta dioica), which originally grows in the Caribbean and Central America. The spice is also internationally known as allspice, because the flavor is reminiscent of a combination of cinnamon, clove, nutmeg and pepper.

The berries are harvested green and then dried, which gives them their characteristic brown color and rich aroma.

How does allspice taste?

Allspice has a warm, slightly sweet and spicy flavor with notes of:

• cinnamon
• clove
• nutmeg
• black pepper

It is precisely that combination that makes allspice suitable for both savory and sweet dishes.

What do you use allspice for?

Allspice

Curry is one of those spice mixes that immediately adds a lot of flavor to a dish. But besides the taste, many people wonder: is curry actually healthy? The short answer is yes. Most curry blends consist of a combination of herbs and spices that naturally contain few calories and are a source of plant-based compounds.

In this article you will read why curry can be a healthy choice and what to watch for when buying a spice mix.

What is curry?

Curry is not a single herb, but a mix of different spices. The exact composition varies per recipe, but ingredients such as turmeric, cumin, coriander, ginger and black pepper often recur.

Want to know more about the origin and composition? Then also read our blog  'What is curry?'.

1. Curry contains few calories

A teaspoon of curry contains only a few calories, but does give a lot of flavor to a dish. Because of that you can often use less salt or fatty sauces without sacrificing taste.

2. Turmeric is often the main ingredient

Many curry blends

Curry is one of the most well-known spice blends in the world, yet there is a lot of confusion about it. Is it a spice? Is it the same as a curry (dish)? And which spices are actually in it? If you have ever eaten a creamy chicken curry, an aromatic lentil soup, or a spiced rice dish, you have probably already become familiar with the warm and aromatic flavor.

In this guide you will discover what curry actually is, how the spice mix is composed, what it is used for, and how to make the tastiest dishes with it at home.

What is curry?

Curry is not a single herb, but a mixture of various herbs and spices. The exact composition varies by manufacturer, region, and recipe. As a result, one curry mix can taste a bit sweeter while another is spicier or earthier.

The bright yellow color usually comes from turmeric, a spice that forms the base of many curry blends.

In the Netherlands curry is often used in chicken dishes, sauces, soups, and salads, but the possibilities are much broader.

Which

Middle Eastern cuisine is known for its rich aromas, warm spices and surprising flavor combinations. From fresh citrus notes to deep, earthy tastes: with the right herbs you can easily give your dishes more character. But which Middle Eastern herbs are there and how do you use them in the kitchen?

In this article you will discover the best-known herbs and spices from the Middle East, learn what they taste like and get practical tips to start using them yourself.

What are Middle Eastern herbs?

By Middle Eastern herbs we mean both dried herbs and spices that are widely used in countries such as Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Israel, Turkey and parts of North Africa. They form the basis of dishes like hummus, falafel, shawarma, kebab, couscous and roasted vegetables.

Often various ingredients are combined into characteristic spice blends that make a dish instantly recognizable.

1. Za’atar

Za’atar is perhaps the best-known spice blend from the Middle East. The composition varies by region, but

The Indian cuisine is known for its rich aromas, deep flavors and colorful spices. Yet many people think you need dozens of different spices to make an authentic Indian dish. Fortunately that's not the case. A handful of good spices will take you a long way.

In this guide you'll discover which Indian spices are most used, how they taste and in which dishes they shine best.

Why are spices so important in Indian cuisine?

Indian cooking is all about balance. Spices not only add heat, but also contribute warmth, freshness, sweetness and depth to a dish. Often different spices are combined into a balanced spice blend, such as garam masala or a regional curry mix.

By briefly roasting spices first in oil or ghee their aromas are released even more and dishes get their characteristic full flavor.

The most important Indian spices at a glance

1. Cumin

Cumin has a warm, earthy and slightly nutty flavor. The spice forms the base of many curries, dals, rice dishes and marinades. Both whole seeds

Do you have a jar of vadouvan in the kitchen cupboard but aren't sure what to make with it? You are not alone. This aromatic spice mix is incredibly versatile and adds a lot of flavor to your dish with just a small amount.

In this article you'll discover 10 simple ways to use vadouvan, from creamy soups to roasted vegetables and flavorful marinades.

What is vadouvan?

Vadouvan is a mild, fragrant spice blend with French and Indian influences. The mix often contains spices such as cumin, coriander, mustard seed, turmeric and fenugreek, complemented by dried onion and garlic. This gives it a warm, slightly sweet and savory flavor.

If you're not yet familiar with this special blend, also read our extensive blog ‘What is vadouvan?’ for more background information.

1. Make a creamy zucchini soup

Vadouvan and zucchini make a surprisingly good combination. The vegetable's mild flavor gains extra depth from the warm spices.

Looking for inspiration? Try our recipe for zucchini soup with vadouvan

Vadouvan is a spice mix you might not know yet, but will reach for again and again after cooking with it once. The blend combines warm spices with the sweet taste of dried onion and garlic and is often described as a French interpretation of Indian curry.

Curious what vadouvan exactly is, how it tastes and what to use it for? In this guide we explain it and provide plenty of inspiration to get started with it at home.

What is vadouvan?

Vadouvan is a spice blend that originates from South India but later became popular in French cuisine. The mix developed in the former French colony Pondicherry, where local spices were combined with French cooking techniques and flavor preferences.

The result is a rich, fragrant blend that is less sharp than many curry mixes and is known for its gentle, full character.

Want to discover the taste yourself? Try the French Kiss Vadouvan spice mix from Natural Spices: https://www.naturalspices.nl/french-kiss-vadouvan.

Which spices are in vadouvan?

The exact