6 Flavors Of The Holiday To Put Into Your Favorite Recipes
Everyone knows the classic holiday flavors of peppermint, cinnamon, nutmeg, caramel, and more. Just tasting or smelling these flavors can transport you to our favorite location to celebrate the holidays and all of the memories associated with that place. Below, you will find six ways to incorporate these flavors into your recipes at your own home.
1. Peppermint
Peppermint is one of the most common ingredients used in the holiday season, and you know well the ways in which coffee shops incorporate this flavor. Your mouth may water at the sight of a peppermint mocha, but you could even make your own at home! Just use peppermint coffee syrup to make your favorite hot drink right at home. If you do not like coffee, just add a dash of peppermint flavoring to hot chocolate, or make a tasty dessert such as peppermint bark, peppermint candies, or even homemade peppermint cookies to enjoy.
2. Ginger
Ginger, though you may not immediately think of it, is one of the most popular flavors of the holidays. What do you think that a gingerbread house, gingerbread men, or other gingerbread cookies would be made of if not for ginger? One great option for a unique ginger taste that you may not have had before is crystallized ginger. This ingredient is great for making candies or for making a cake with a unique spiced flavor to surprise your guests. Whatever you use ginger for this holiday season though, it is sure to be enjoyable with the memories made.
3. Nutmeg
Nutmeg is known for being used in pies and other desserts such as pumpkin pie or other yummy and delightful treats. There are many health benefits to this delicious spice as well as it can relieve anxiety, relieve the effects of stress, and even calm you down after a long day. Add a little bit of nutmeg to your sweet potatoes for a unique flavor, or put a dash in the eggnog that some love. Though difficult to think about, nutmeg is truly a versatile spice for all to enjoy this upcoming holiday season, in any way they like.
4. Rosemary
Rosemary is great for putting on meats and enhancing the flavor of some of your favorite recipes. It is also wonderful, however, for the holiday season and all winter as it has a slight taste of the pine trees that are associated with this time of year. You can use rosemary in a savory way this holiday season, and you can even use it in a sweet way, which may be unexpected. Rosemary is a great and unique addition to a shortbread cookie or a plain butter cookie, but everyone knows how great it is in green vegetables and on dinner rolls.
5. Pumpkin Spice
Where would this list be on holiday flavors to incorporate without mentioning pumpkin spice. Obviously, this delightfully delicious flavor is great for pumpkin pies, pumpkin bread, pumpkin muffins, pumpkin rolls, and anything pumpkin that you can think of. You have to try this recipe in a way that you may have never thought of before though, as it will surely surprise you. Add it, for instance, into your caramel corn that you are sure to enjoy while watching your favorite holiday movie to transport your tastebuds elsewhere.
6. Chinese Star Anise
It is important to add one item to your list that you are almost certain to have never heard of so that you can truly experience something unique this holiday season. This spice is local to countries such as Vietnam and China where it is grown, but there are many health benefits to this flavor as well. It can greatly assist as a digestive aid and can support your immune system like a probiotic. This flavor is very similar to a clove though, so it is great to add to your favorite sweet treats all season.
The holidays are a great time for making your favorite holiday recipes, whether those savory for the main course or sweet for the desserts. Consider one of the flavors listed above to give your favorite recipes a new spin this holiday season. It will truly make them your own.
