It’s always comforting to take in the aromas of winter spices, such as cinnamon, cloves, ginger, nutmeg and anise, so reminiscent of Christmas mince pies, mulled wine, gingerbread and more. It may surprise you that they actually have many health benefits too.
With the winter seasonal colds and flu as well as Covid in the equation, it makes sense to add spices to your diet that contains antibacterial properties and antioxidants that can help keep your immune system healthy! While spices should not be a substitute for medical treatment if needed, incorporating spices into your daily cooking may help cut back on the excessive sugar and salt as well as boost your overall wellbeing. All spices are naturally low in saturated fat and cholesterol and are a healthier alternative to sugar and salt to add flavour to your food
So as the days get shorter and colder, even on our beautiful island of Cyprus, few things can beat cosy winter evenings in front of the log fire with a comforting cup of Chai or glass of mulled wine or mulled juice. Happy holidays to all from Spice&Easy at The Spice House!
Try these winter warmer recipes:
Masala Chai Spiced Tea Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ – 2 cups of water
- 2 tsp loose black tea teabags (decaf is OK)
- 1-2 tsp Spice&Easy Winter Spice Blend
- ½ to 1 cup of milk (for dairy free use almond, oat or rice milk)
- 1-3 tsp sweetener (Maple syrup is best)
Instructions
- Bring your tea to a boil in the pan and then leave steep for 10 minutes.
- Add the milk and bring back to the boil.
- Turn off and then add the sweetener of your choice
Healthy Mulled Wine or Mulled Juice
Ingredients
- 1 litre of dry red wine
- 1 orange spiked with 20 whole cloves
- 1/4 cup brandy (or port) – optional
- 1/4 cup of water
- 1/4 cup of honey
- 1 teaspoon Spice&Easy Winter Spice Blend
- optional garnishes… 1 orange slices into rounds, 1 Ceylon Cinnamon Stick, 1 Star Anise
For a non-alcoholic version, substitute apple or grape juice for the wine and leave out the sugar!
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a non-aluminium saucepan and bring to a simmer (not a boil… you don’t want to boil the alcohol out!) over medium high heat
- Reduce heat to medium low and let the wine simmer for at least 30 minutes or up to 3 hours
- Serve warm with your desired garnishes
This can also be prepared in a slow cooker, which guarantees it won’t boil and keeps the mulled wine warm for serving straight from the slow cooker, leaving you free to enjoy the party!
Visit us at The Spice House for your spices, herbs and blends or check our web site
www.spiceandeasycyprus.com for more recipes and info
or Find Us on Facebook (Spice and Easy Cyprus) or Telephone: 99104622
