In case you missed it, here is the post about my New Year’s Resolution. For January, I had to use cardamom. First of all…I had NO idea I had to choose between pods or ground. Secondly, I had NO idea how expensive herbs and spices can be…The bulk section proved to be the best price by far, and check out this selection:
[Dear HEB, Will you please come set this up at my house? Love, Jamie]
Which one was I supposed to choose…?!
What is the difference between San Antonio and New Mexico chili powder? I was pretty amazed. I spent at least a half hour checking things out in this section.
I ended up choosing ground cardamom…it seemed like that would be easier…I don’t know how to work the pods AND it was cheaper.
Quick refresher on the health benefits of Cardamom:
Eases belching, flatulence and indigestion; treats respiratory conditions like coughing, asthma and loss of voice; aids in the elimination of toxins through your skin.
I ended up just sprinkling it in my nightly cup of earl gray, decaf tea. Super simple, yummy, and easy. I’ve done it most nights in January, and I will definitely continue to use my ground cardamom. [Isn’t it funny that the brand name of the tea is bigelow?]
Thank you to everyone for all of the great ideas for using cardamom. Ashlie said… “We love cardamom – my husband is Persian so it is a staple in our household. Cardamom pods make a great addition to a pot of hot tea. Ground cardamom is great in spice cakes and cookies, rice pudding, oatmeal or other hot cereals, roasted winter squash, and roasted carrots. Cardamom is also great is savory dishes, of course it is most common in Indian cuisine.”
February: cloves…any ideas?
Health Powers of cloves: Soothes digestive tract muscles and is a potent antihistamine.
Cloves are made for Moussaka! Super simple and an awesome way to experiment if it's new to you (meal in a single pan is a dream come true). Stopped by and noticed you were in a spice quandary (our family business is exotic spices).
I thought you lived in NY? Just wonderin'- I noted the heb labels. LOL
Oh, and I never even told you about the spice mixture that we use,,,, I just call it MEAT MASALA,,, but basically it is ground cardamom, CLOVES, and cinnamon. I use it in my chicken, beef, and pototo dishes, and it gives such a fantastic flavor.
Bella 🙂
Oh I totally have to read what you are up to with these spices,,,, FUN.
I use all this stuff all the time.
If you are lucky enough to have a Indian specialty grocer near you, the spices there should be WAYYYYY cheaper, than at HEB,,,, lol.
WIth the tea, simply crushing a pod or two by your palm or a spoon on the table, is all you need to release the flavor, and oils inside. Simmer with your tea as normal!!!
Have you actually ever tried Black indian tea, with milk? That's what we drink daily around here, and I love it. We really enjoy the BLACK ORANGE PEKOE flavor,,, which comes in several different brands, but we usually end up getting Black Label brand.
I'm dying to introduce you all to some more Indian food, I love, and make, and eat practically every day.
Anyway, SUPER happy to see you are trying new things in the kitchen, I LOVE IT.
I bet after reading all your posts, YOU"VE actually got a thing or two to teach me, lol.
Hugs,
Bella 🙂
Pomander ball for your wardrobe?