Mmm, vanilla. Whether you’re making cookies, homemade ice cream, or any other sweet treat, you’ve probably noticed that there are several options for liquid vanilla extracts in the baking aisle. Which one of these is considered the “real” one for baking? “Real” vanilla extract, or “pure vanilla extract”, is the “real” one most commonly used in baking and is made by soaking vanilla beans in alcohol. You can also use real [...]
Mace vs Nutmeg: What’s the Difference?
Did you know that mace and nutmeg are from the same tree? They share the same botanical name, but culinary-wise they are different spices. What are all the differences between mace and nutmeg? There are many differences between mace and nutmeg, but the main differences are their flavor, color, and cost. We’ll explain the differences between mace vs. nutmeg – as well as their similarities – in this article! What are [...]
What Are the Spices in a Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte?
Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte is one of their most popular holiday specialty drinks. It’s become so popular that it seems to be released earlier and earlier – in 2023 it was released in late August! What spices make this fall favorite so popular that it’s released in the summer? The spices used in the Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte are cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. We’ll reveal the other ingredients in the PSL [...]
Which Herbs and Spices Are in Spaghetti Sauce?
Spaghetti sauce, whether it contains meat or not, is popular for topping one of the most popular types of pasta – spaghetti! Which herbs and spices give spaghetti sauce its distinct Italian flavor? Some of the herbs and spices spaghetti sauce can contain (it varies depending on the recipe or manufacturer) include: What kind of flavors do these herbs and spices contribute to spaghetti sauce? We’ll describe which flavors [...]
What Are the Most Popular Spice Blends?
Herbs and spices have unique flavors that make some of our favorite foods and drinks taste the way they do. Spice blends, also called seasonings or seasoning blends, contain several specific spices (as well as herbs and other ingredients in some cases). Which spice blends are the most popular? Some popular spice blends are: Which herbs and spices do these spice blends contain, and how are they used? We have the answers [...]
Which Herbs and Spices Are Vegan?
Herbs and spices are from plants, and vegans only eat plants. It should be a no-brainer that herbs and spices are vegan…right? Plain herbs and spices are ALWAYS vegan-friendly because they’re from plants. Some seasoning blends (mixtures of herbs, spices, and sometimes other ingredients like sugar) contain non-vegan-friendly ingredients, which is the only time an herb or spice wouldn’t be considered vegan. We’ll point [...]
