Gingerbread Caramels

Some spices are just born leaders, with big loud voices and an overwhelming presence. Mace can be one of those show-offs, unless properly tamed. Mace is actually the lacy outer covering of the nutmeg, but its flavor is a bit earthier than nutmeg - think bass vs. soprano. Here we're getting the most out of it's character by combining it with other spices to recreate the scintillating flavor of freshly baked gingerbread, but in a soft, chewy caramel candy, perfect for gift-giving this holiday season.Now there's nothing to fear in caramel making, as long as you follow a few simple rules. Rule #1 is know your altitude. Sugar cooks quicker (which means that water evaporates faster, and that's what control's your ultimate texture) at higher altitudes, so the general rule is to subtract 2 degrees for every 1000 feet above sea level from your final temperature. For example, our basic, sea level recipe calls for a final cooking temperature of 240 F. for a soft caramel. My kitchen is around 3000 ft., so, after a bit of experimenting, I finally altered the target temperature to 238 F. It may take a few tries to find the softness that you prefer - I like my caramels a bit on the softer side. The second rule to follow is to STIR CONTINUOUSLY while cooking the caramel. Dairy products burn really easily at high temperatures, and you don't want that. Thirdly, know your thermometer. Test it by filling a large glass with ice and enough water to separate the cubes. Let it sit for a minute, then insert your thermometer - it should read 32 degrees. If not, make a note of how far off it is, and adjust your cooking accordingly. And remember, the caramel mixture will be extremely hot, so resist the temptation to taste it until it's cooled off. I like to keep a dab on my spatula for tasting purposes, since it will cool off quickly. Follow these few rules, and you'll find yourself on the road to candy making success.Note: To make clean up a breeze, after you pour out the caramel refill the pot with water. Cover and bring to a boil, then set aside for a few minutes. The hot water and steam will help dissolve the cooked sugars.

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Gingerbread

This is a stout gingerbread. Literally! Rich molasses and stout beer perfectly complement the ginger and aromatic spices in this moist, delicious gingerbread. Our Gingerbread Spice is a powerhouse of flavor with ginger, allspice and Vietnamese cinnamon alongside a generous measure of clove and black pepper. This easy gingerbread travels well to a holiday gathering and will keep you warm for the holiday season alongside a cup of mulled wine or a toddy.

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Pumpkin Bread

Yay! Pumpkin season has arrived, and we're kicking it off with pumpkin bread. This recipe is delightfully moist, with a velvety crumb and heavenly spice. Pumpkin bread is a wonderful seasonal treat for breakfast, snacking or dessert. These loaves are not too sweet, and the combination of Kashmiri Garam Masala and Grand Marnier is delicious. The recipe makes two loaves and conveniently uses a single can of pumpkin purée. They come together quick and easy and you can mix up the spice and liquor pairings in all kinds of creative ways.

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Hahn Family Sweet Treats

No Thanksgiving or holiday dinner would be complete without the desserts. Pumpkin pie is par for the course, where sweet treats are concerned, but few folks stop there. Every family has their own unique preferences, and this collection of recipes has something for everyone. The applesauce cake will have even the most ardent fruitcake detractors coming back for a second slice. Perfect for the holidays, it can be made and enjoyed year round. The shortbread is recipe was adopted from a Scottish woman who lived down the street from Mom when she was growing up in Boise. We've tried other shortbread recipes, but always come back to this one. Make these and I'm sure that they will disappear as quickly as they always did in our home. These recipes brought to you by World Spice Family Favorites. Thanks, Sherrie! For more holiday treats, check out all our dessert and pastry recipes.

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Indian Coriander Energy Bars

Sometimes I get so busy doing things that I forget to eat breakfast and/or lunch. I know, I shouldn't do that, but I do. I've tried various power or energy bars, but I found them to be too sweet, lacking in flavor, or really just not very healthy. So I made my own.For this recipe, I set out to make an energy bar that tasted good, was high in all of the "good" stuff we're supposed to be eating every day, and was full of things that I loved, like Indian Coriander Seed. I'm also a huge fan of chia seeds, and using them eliminated the need to use oil or eggs in the bars. Chia seeds are full of essential fatty acids, antioxidants, calcium, iron, fiber, and are a source of natural extended energy. I will admit to sometimes putting chocolate chips in them, but chocolate is good for you, too, right?

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