Asafoetida (Hing)

Did you know that one of the Homeopathic remedies for Irritable Bowel Syndrome is Asafoetida?
Asafoetida is a carminative and also is useful as an expectorant. It is sometimes used as a substitute for Garlic.


Asafoetida is also used to treat some forms of Osteoarthritis.

Rainbow

What a beautiful way to start your day.
Today we almost had a double rainbow. Can you see a faint second one on the far right side?

Have you seen a full rainbow anytime ?
I have seen it only once till now. And it was amazingly beautiful.

Extracts in Marinades

Have you ever tried using extracts in marinades?

Extracts are perfect in marinades and salad dressings. Since extracts are in liquid form, they are absorbed easily and quickly. The flavor of the spice is absorbed evenly.

Try this very easy Moroccan inspired Marinade with Spice extracts.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup oil
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 drop of Cinnamon extract
1 drop of Nutmeg extract
1 drop of Clove extract
3-4 drops of Garlic extract
salt to taste

Mix all the ingredients.
This marinade works very well with tofu. Stir fry this marinated tofu with some chopped vegetables. Warm up some of the left over marinade and pour over tofu-vegetable stir fry. Serve with rice.

Also try this marinade for cherry tomatoes, button mushrooms and pineapple chunks.

Truffles with Tea Masala Extract - by Nupur Kittur

Nupur of OneHotStove posted a amazing recipe for Truffles. Interestingly, she used Tea Masala extract in it. Isn't that creative?

Here is her recipe for Tea Tinged Truffles with Tea Masala Extract.

Enjoy!

Sunset from my backyard

Bags versus Extract

Have you seen those instant Tea Masala bags in the stores? Its tea extract, milk powder, Sugar and spices, all in one bag. Just add hot water.
Well, I bought one box last week to compare them against our own Tea Masala Extract. And here are some comparisons :

1) I just had to add hot water to the instant Tea Masala bag.

To use our Tea Masala extract, you need to make tea first. Our extract is the blend of spices that can be added to your regular tea to give it a spicy makeover :)

2) The tea was light for my taste. And it was a bit sweet.

This is where our Tea Masala extract comes out a winner. You make your tea the way you like it (strong, light, black, with milk, with/without sugar) and just add our extract to it.

3) I had that powdery taste in the last few sips.

Since our extract is in liquid form, it mixes fully with the tea and hence no powdery taste.


4) Price of 10 Instant Masala Tea - $3.99 ( for 10 cups of tea - $3.99)

Price of 1 Tea Masala Extract - $5.99 ( 1 bottle has around 150 drops.
So, more than 60 cups of tea can get a spicy makeover with just 1 bottle of our extract !)


5) 4 Spices in the instant Tea masala bag -Ginger, Black Pepper, Cardamom and Clove.

6 Spices in Tea Masala Extract - Ginger, Peppercorn, Cardamom, Clove, Cinnamon and Nutmeg.

Tulsi

Tulsi (meaning "incomparable") is highly revered in Ayurveda and Tulsi extract has been used in Ayurvedic medicines for thousands of years. Tulsi is high in antioxidants and offers many health benefits. It is also known to build immunity and relieve stress.

Tulsi tea is easy to make and is a excellent pick-me-upper.
Just make your tea the way you like it (strong , light or black) and add 1-2 drops of Tulsi extract to it. Tulsi goes well with milk too.

On days when you feel stressed out, try having a cup of Tulsi tea.

Mango Mousse with Saffron Extract

Chef Hari's recipe for Mango Mousse with Saffron extract.
Simple but elegant dessert for any occasion.

Rose Parade

One of the great events of Los Angeles is Rose Parade. What a great way to start the New Year!

This time I went to see the floats on Jan 2nd, the day after the parade and I was amazed to see such creative use of flowers, leaves, nuts and grains. I have never seen so many orchids in one place before. It was very beautiful.

Year 2008

Before I knew, 2008 is here at my door step. "Ready or not, here I come"

2007 was good for Supreme Spice. We added some new extracts, made some changes to the website, started this blog. I attended some conventions to get more exposure to the products and the response was positive. I was hoping to add Curry Leaf extract to our product line but unfortunately that didn't happen. But I will keep trying.


For the coming year, the momentum is building and 2008 should be a great one for Supreme Spice.