Entertaining the easy way..... For the last few months the Spicery team have been getting used to rather large lunches while we’ve been testing out our newest box, ‘
the Big Night In. With it’s imminent arrival (form an orderly queue for ordering please) we thought our top tips this month could be all about entertaining at home. a little video of us helping ourselves to the starter for the Thai Big Night In due after Christmas! Cooking a meal for lots of people can be a little bit stressful but a few things to keep in mind are: a) keep things simple - make dishes that you know will work and aren’t going to use every pot and pan you own! b) get organised - write a prep list and tick a few things off the day before (that way you get to enjoy a gin and tonic with your guests when they arrive!) c) make your food look great and taste even better with that final finishing touch. Fresh herbs, sliced chillies and of course spices can be used to freshen up a dish, add fragrance and colour, and transform something quite plain into something spectacular! Here are a few spicy garnishing ideas for you to try at home....
Rose petal masala (free sample enclosed with every order this month)Indian garam masala is a blend of spices used in curries but also tends to be added at the end of cooking to give a delicious flavour punch. This month we’re giving you our very special rose petal masala (a blend of cardamon, black pepper, cumin, coriander and rose petals) which you can sprinkle over any curry before serving. or try sauteeing some potatoes until nice and crispy, then squeeze over the juice of ½ a lemon and the contents of the free sample.
Sumac - bright red in colour with a slightly tart lemony flavour, sumac looks great sprinkled over salads, grilled vegetables, meat or fish and adds a delicious fresh zing to your dishes.
Nigella Seeds - the jet black nigella seeds are used as a topping all over the Middle East on breads and pastries, and are a classic addition to the top of a raita or pickle in India. They look spectacular but also give a delicious nutty taste and are so popular in the Arab world in both food and medicine that they’re known as the seed of blessing!
Happy Spicing! 
