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How to Use Peppercorns to Add Flavor to Your Recipes and Food

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Black Peppercorns

Black Peppercorns.. So Much Flavor!

I’ve always been one of Black Pepper’s biggest fans. This one, often taken for granted, spice can take the ordinary to the spectacular. If you don’t believe me, just ask mashed potatoes.

Freshly Ground Pepper is even listed proudly on the side of the food blog, among my favorite ingredients. There’ll be no taking pepper for granted on my watch!

When I first fell madly in love with cooking, the little red and white tin of pre-ground pepper was my mainstay. In fact, we had a thing going for years. I’d buy big tins of ground pepper and fill my salt and pepper shakers for daily use and whip out my red and white tin for cooking.

Then, one fateful day, my culinary world opened up. While in the grocery store, browsing a favorite aisle (the spice aisle – where I could spend hours),  I saw peppercorns and peppercorn grinders. I noticed that, like people, peppercorns came in a beautiful array of colors – black, pink, white, and even green.

Mind, blown.

I rounded up every peppercorn and grinder in sight and headed home to play with my new toys.  Truth be told, it’s a process I’ve repeated hundreds of times since.

Using different peppercorns for different dishes really adds exciting and fun layers of flavor.

A quick rundown of the different peppercorn flavors:

Green peppercorns have a sharp, fresh flavor. Some of the best dishes to use green peppercorns with are vegetable dishes and salad dressings. A good way to remember this is to think of the green… green peppercorns = eating green = vegetables.

Pink peppercorns may have the most distinctive and unique flavor of all the peppercorns. These little beauties have a delicate, fragrant flavor that’s somehow both sweet and spicy at the same time. I love the color pink peppercorns bring, literally, to the table. While they go with everything imaginable, most people prefer them with sweet foods and fruit.  They’re all kinds of delicious on cantaloupe and watermelon.

White peppercorns are mostly used when a cook doesn’t want any black specks whatsoever in their dish. Me? I live for the black specks, but I can see wanting a special cheese sauce or cream to be solid and universal in color. White peppercorns give a taste that’s very similar to black peppercorns.

And last, but in NO way least, the star of the peppercorns world, Black Peppercorns. Black peppercorns can be used with absolutely anything you dream up in your kitchen. Eggs, potatoes, meats, vegetables, fish, etc.

Black pepper begins to lose some of its flavor as soon as it’s ground, which is why using peppercorns with your own grinder is preferable for cooking and eating.

Tellicherry Peppercorns are rock stars in the peppercorn world. These black peppercorns are left on the vine longer and allowed to over-ripen. They are bigger in both size and flavor.

I first sought out Tellicherry Black Peppercorns when I read that they were one of Colonel Sanders’ secret ingredients in his fried chicken. I figured that if they were the Colonel’s “go to” peppercorn, I  had to try them out. I’ve bought them religiously since.

In addition to a grinder filled with only black peppercorns, I always have a grinder filled with a combination of all colors of peppercorns. This colorful blend is excellent for stews, soups, eggs, and countless other kitchen regulars.

Rachael Ray Fancy Boy Peppercorn Grinders

Rachael Ray’s Fancy Boy Grinders are something I would be lost without. I’ve written at least one Fancy Boy Grinders Review on Get Cooking.

Unfortunately, they can be tough to find in stores (although her Pink Himalayan Salt Fancy Boy Grinder is pretty easy to find). Fancy Boy Grinders can be found on Amazon easily enough (just click the link to check them out).

Rachael Ray’s Fancy Boy Peppercorn Grinders:

Shopping for Peppercorns

Your grocery store may or may not have peppercorns available in all of the available peppercorn colors. If they come up short, always keep Amazon in mind. Peppercorns on Amazon are available in bulk, meaning you won’t run out any time soon and you can find unlimited colors and blend combinations, including the Rainbow Peppercorn Blend.

Peppercorn Grinders

When it comes to peppercorn grinders, my three favorite places to shop are Amazon (See Amazon Peppercorn Grinders), TJ Maxx, and Target. Kitchen supply stores are also a great place to check – but they can be pretty pricey.

Wherever you find your peppercorns and peppercorn grinders, just be sure to mix things up and experiment with different varieties of peppercorns.

You’ll be amazed at all the different flavors they bring to the table!

The Number One, Best Gift Idea for Cooks and Foodies!

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McCormick's Spice Rack With Spice Jars

When I decided to write about this gorgeous McCormick Gourmet Spice Rack, Three Tier Wood, 24-Count, I had the next holiday (Mother’s Day) in mind. It occurred to me, though, that – while this Wooden Spice Rack (with 24 jars of excellent spices) would be ideal for Mother’s Day – there isn’t a holiday or special day that this wouldn’t be a perfect fit for!

If your family is anything like our family, you have birthdays and anniversaries sprinkled all through the year along with holidays.  One of my daughters and I were looking at our own personal calendar and realized there was just ONE month of the year that didn’t include at least one special day.  Overly ambitious March, October, and November more than make up for Easy Breezy September,  though.

What makes the  McCormick Gourmet Spice Rack, Three Tier Wood, 24-Count a perfect gift idea for any cook or foodie in your life?

Let’s break it down…

  1. While this handsome spice rack can be placed on a counter, my favorite thing about it is the fact that it can be mounted on a wall.  I get all kinds of giddy thinking about the extra cabinet and counter space this would free up.
  2. McCormick Spices are top of the line. Not only is the wooden spice rack a dream come true – all on its own – but it comes with 24 beautiful jars of McCormick spices!  Have you ever priced spices? The value of the spices exceeds the price of this spice rack.
  3. If you grow and dry your own herbs/spices, you could easily refill the jars throughout the year.
  4. Mismatched, scattered tins and jars of spices scattered across your counter or shoved into a cabinet are a cluttered nightmare. Cluttered nightmares take the joy right out of cooking.

But the number one reason this is the bestest of the best when it comes to gift ideas for cooks and foodies?  Well… because I said so! I am  your typical cooking-obsessed, food-addicted foodie extraordinaire and when I look at this beautiful wooden spice rack with its equally beautiful jars of spices, my heart skips a couple of beats.

And that’s the best kind of reaction to get from your favorite cook, right? That’s when you know they’re about to make you something extra, extra special.

Whether you’re shopping for someone else or for yourself, click through one of the links or the picture for more information.

 

 

Drop Dead Gorgeous Orbit Spice Rack

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Orbit Jar Spice Rack

There’s no way you could convince me that the Olde Thompson 16-Jar Orbit Spice RackSpice Racks) isn’t the most gorgeous spice rack ever made.  I’ve kind of got a thing for spice racks, so I’m more than a little familiar with them.  At one time, I actually had three spice racks at once.

I told you I had a thing for them!

This particular spice rack, however, is in a league all its own. The original beauty is available on Amazon.

Product Features

  • This handy, well-stocked spice rack comes with 16 sealed jars filled with frequently used spices
  • Stainless jar caps bear the names of the spices in clear, black lettering
  • Rack revolves, bringing all the glass jars into view, so finding the spice of choice is easy
  • Handsome rack made with a black base and a matching stainless finial to blend with any decor
  • Fits neatly on any countertop or stores easily in a cabinet; set makes a great gift idea for new homeowners or newlyweds

Click HERE to take a closer look.  If you’re lucky you’ll have a chance to buy one for your kitchen before I scarf them all up.  I promise to exercise a little restraint. Maybe.

McCormick Spices Shake Things Up!

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McCormick Ground Cayenne Pepper from the Gourmet Collection

I first tried McCormick’s Gourmet Collection Ground Cayenne Red Pepper several months ago. I wanted some “quality” cayenne pepper for a batch of Spicy Guacamole I had in mind for a Sunday Night Football game.

I can’t remember who was playing, but I do remember my first bite of that guacamole!

Guacamole is a beautiful thing. McCormick Cayenne Red Pepper is a beautiful thing. When they get together? Well, you might want to warn your taste buds they’re coming. They’ll want to brace themselves for the spectacle.

I’ve fallen in love with many of the spices in the McCormick Gourmet Collection (hence the week-long series of posts being comprised in their honor) but the ones I use the most are the Ground Cayenne Red Pepper, the Saigon Roasted Cinnamon, and (the star of the next post) Smoked Paprika. Granted, there are some I’ve yet to try, but I’m working on it.

You’ll be the first to know when I do.

Below are some of my favorite Guacamole tips and tricks:

  • When buying avocados for guacamole, you want them to be soft but not squishy. Squishy means they’ll probably have a lot of grayish brown spots that you’ll have to cut away. Wasted avocado is never good.
  • Always use a little lemon or lime to keep the freshly cut avocado from turning. Once the fruit is cut, exposure to air will cause it to lose its gumption! They turn pretty fast, so I always splash them with a little lemon or lime as soon as they hit the light of day.
  • In the produce aisle, you’ll probably find packets of guacamole mix. Some are labeled mild, some are spicy, and some may be extra spicy (trust them). These mixes don’t require additional lemon or lime, they’re armed and ready to prevent the avocado’s transformation. They’re also really quite good.
  • Never think that you have to limit guacamole to avocado, salt, and lemon or lime juice. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a can’t miss combination, and sometimes I insist on my guacamole rolling old school. However, guac-ing on the wild side makes for an outrageous stroll. Stir in chopped jalapeno (or even more temperamental peppers if you’re brave), firm tomatoes, chilies, red onion, green onion, scallions, red pepper flakes… or any combination of the above.
  • McCormick Gourmet Collection Ground Cayenne Red Pepper, Smoked Paprika, and Roasted Ground Cumin are each excellent in guacamole.

McCormick Ground Cayenne Red Pepper from the Gourmet Collection is one of those spices I refuse to run out of.  Along with my “baby,” McCormick’s Smoked Paprika – when the bottle gets low, off I go.  I hit the spice aisle harder than the Steeler’s defensive line ever hoped to hit anyone.

Below are a few other ways I jazz things up in the kitchen with Cayenne Red Pepper:

  • Eggs
  • Hummus
  • Soup (Excellent with tomato soup)
  • Boca Burgers and Morning Star Burgers
  • Hominy
  • Pasta Salad
  • Fried Chicken
  • Pork Chops
  • Sausage
  • Turkey Bacon (wake up call)
  • Black Beans
  • Chili
  • Spaghetti Sauce
  • … basically anything you want to add a little fire to.

Make this one of the next spices you try, I guarantee you won’t regret it.

McCormick Spices Shake Things Up!

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McCormick Roasted Ground Ginger

Another day, another outstanding McCormick Gourmet Spice. Today it’s Roasted Ground Ginger and it smells as wonderful as it makes your recipes taste. I’m completely in love with Asian recipes and food, so Ginger is a seasoning I call on often. There’s something extra bold about McCormick’s Roasted Ground Ginger and your nose lets you know it long before the recipe’s even made.

Below is a recipe for you to take Roasted Ground Ginger for a test drive. Just don’t make the mistake for substituting another ground ginger. Make a special trip to the store for the real thing. If you don’t, your nose will never forgive you. Do you want that on your conscience?

McCormick Roasted Ginger Vegetable Stir-Fry Recipe

Roasted Ginger Vegetable Stir-Fry Recipe

1 3/4 cups chicken or vegetable broth, divided
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon sherry
2 teaspoons McCormick® Gourmet Collection Roasted Ground Ginger
3 tablespoons oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups cauliflower florets
1 bunch thin asparagus, trimmed and cut diagonally into 2-inch pieces (2 cups)
1 red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
4 ounces snow peas, trimmed
4 green onions, cut diagonally into 1/2-inch pieces (1 cup)
McCormick® Gourmet Collection Sesame Seed, Toasted (optional)

1. Mix 1 1/2 cups of the broth, soy sauce, cornstarch, sherry and ginger in medium bowl until smooth. Set aside.

2. Heat oil in large deep skillet or wok on medium-high heat. Add garlic and cauliflower; stir fry 1 minute. Add remaining 1/4 cup broth; cover and cook 5 to 7 minutes or until cauliflower is tender-crisp, stirring occasionally. Add asparagus, bell pepper, snow peas and green onions; stir fry 3 to 4 minutes or until tender-crisp.

3. Stir broth mixture. Add to skillet; stirring constantly, bring to boil on medium heat and boil 1 minute. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seed, if desired.
Tips

Roasted Ginger Shrimp & Vegetable Stir-Fry: Prepare recipe as directed, adding 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, at the end of Step 2. Stir fry 2 minutes or just until shrimp turn pink. Continue as directed.

Images and Recipe Credit: McCormick

McCormick Spices Shake Things Up!

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McCormic Roasted Saigon Cinnamon Gourmet SpiceOne of the food brands I’m most loyal to is McCormick.  McCormick spices are sheer perfection – and why in the world would you want to mess with perfection? Seriously, if all of the other spices and seasonings disappeared, you’d never miss them. McCormick has everything you could ever hope for and the quality is more than you could ever hope for.

I’ve recently tried five new McCormick Gourmet Spices that have rocked my culinary world and I look forward to sharing them with you.

I was going to do one massive post, but I was afraid one of these special spices would get lost in the mix or overshadowed by paprika (you know how flashy she is).  So, as it is, I’m going to take a different McCormick Gourmet Spice each day and tell you why I love it and why you need it.

First up is one I used (for like the gazillion-th time) this morning: Roasted Saigon Cinnamon.

In addition to drinking coffee and petting my cats, I love few things in the morning as much as I love oatmeal .  Wholesome, delicious, nutritious – what better way to start the day?  Roasted Saigon Cinnamon is a brilliantly tasty addition to oatmeal.   Not only does it taste sensational, there’s a hidden benefit:  When you use an extraordinary spice like this one, you’ll be able to use less sugar and less butter.

You’ll make your heart and waistline so happy they’ll want to kiss your cinnamon-y mouth.

I’ve also found that Cinnamon Toast is a whole new ballgame with Roasted Saigon Cinnamon.  It’s bolder and better than ever before.

Other uses for Roasted Saigon Cinnamon include:

  • Cut a grapefruit in half and “section.”  Sprinkle with Roasted Saigon Cinnamon and place on a baking sheet (sprinkled side up).  Bake for 20 minutes at 400 degrees.  Yum!
  • Cinnamon Rolls and Coffee Cakes
  • Sprinkle on top of French Toast
  • Spread cream cheese on a toasted bagel or English muffin. Sprinkle with Roasted Saigon Cinanmon.
  • Stir into your pancake or waffle batter for a pleasant surprise.
  • Sprinkle on sliced apples, pears, or peaches.
  • Make a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. Top with whipped cream and sprinkle with cinnamon.
  • Use in your favorite apple pie recipe.
  • Use in peach cobbler recipes.
  • Scoop yogurt into a bowl.  Top with apple slices, granola, and cinnamon.
  • Top frozen yogurt or ice cream with cinnamon and warm peaches (is your mouth watering yet?)

McCormick Recipes Using Roasted Saigon Cinnamon

Cinnamon Ginger Apple Pie

Cinnamon Whipped Cream

Cinnamon-Apple Bacon Brunch Bake

Have a Spice-y Christmas!

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The gift set above is one I’d LOVE to open on Christmas Day – or any other day for that matter. The Mid-Century exotic wood trivet comes with the snazzy little salt and pepper grinders. All for under $10 at the Spice Depot.

I’d never even heard of their remarkable website until about 30 minutes ago when I got into my e-mail. I’ve spent half an hour reading about their different spices, grinders, and other products and printing out their recipes.

You have to check out their different recipes for Flavored Butters. The Pepper Butter would be Heaven on a big, fat baked potato and the Dill Butter begs to be smeared on a nice, hot ear of corn.

Not only would the gift set above make a perfect gift for any cook on your Christmas list, you could find gifts for virtually anyone on their website. Click the following to see other great gift sets – all at VERY reasonable prices.

For Gamers

For New Cooks/College Kids

For Naturalists

For Health Nuts

For Grill Masters

For Sports Fans

See the Website for more.. And don’t forget to look at the recipes! In fact, if you do any of your Christmas shopping on the website, print out a few recipes to tuck into the gift bag along with the gift. Then maybe, if you’re lucky, when they make the recipe, they’ll invite you over.

The Well Seasoned Cook Always Has a Little Butt Massage in the Kitchen

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Paula Deen 4-pc. Spices, Assorted

Our girl Paula is everywhere these days, isn’t she?! I love her muchly, so I couldn’t be happier. I saw a sweet set of Paula Deen pans in Wal-Mart today.

The Paula Deen 4-pc. Spices, Assorted have also caught my eye and tempted my taste buds.

Check it out:
Paula’s Spice Favorites Pack includes the following: Lady and Sons Pepper Mix, which contains three different peppers. Silly Salt, which you can sprinkle on popcorn, french fries, or anything you may want to season (contains salt, onion, garlic, black pepper, thyme, savory). House Seasoning, which Paula uses in just about everything (contains salt, onion, garlic, black pepper). Butt Massage, perfect for seasoning any butt, from pork loin to beef brisket (contains paprika, salt, spices, garlic, onion, smoke flavor).

I could go for a little Butt Massage right now. 😉

Kidding aside, the Butt Massage would be amazing on veggie burgers. I have a feeling it’d make some wings worth remembering, too.

Click through the link above to learn more about this IDEAL Christmas present and take a look at other Paula Deen products!