| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
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There’s a certain magic in crafting a spice mix from scratch, and that’s especially true with this Homemade Cao Guo Spice Blend. The recipe harnesses the flavor of the unique Cao Guo fruit, integral to Chinese cuisine, along with a host of other warming, aromatic spices. Each ingredient is an ode to taste and tradition, but merged together, they create a symphony of depth and complexity that makes your taste buds dance. This spice blend is not just about the palate, it intertwines with my core love for exploring new flavors and blending traditions.
The Genius of Blending Tradition
On the rolling plains of Montana, where I found my love for cooking, we forage huckleberries and hunt bison. Yet, exploration of new flavors is something I hold close. The Homemade Cao Guo Spice Blend is a testament to this spirit. It’s a blend inspired by the traditional Chinese Five Spice, yet with its own unique twist. The proverbial cherry on the cake lies in its versatility- this blend can enhance the taste of meat dishes like bison burgers or a venison steak. Yet, it can also find its way in desserts, heightening the flavor of huckleberry pies or gingerbread cookies.
Health in Harmony
Beyond the blast of flavor, this Homemade Cao Guo Spice Blend also brings to your kitchen a medley of health benefits. Each spice in the mix stands out as a small, yet potent dose of wellness. Star Anise may aid digestion, Szechuan Peppercorns are believed to promote blood circulation, and Fennel Seeds are often used as a digestive aid. Cinnamon, renowned for its antimicrobial properties, also adds a subtle sweetness. Concluding the unique blend, Nutmeg and cloves offer a rich, natural source of antioxidants.
Furthermore, the star anise and cinnamon found in the mix could potentially enhance immunity. It’s a beautiful harmony of taste and health, all packaged in one aromatic blend.
A Melange to Remember
Whether you’re looking to add a new dimension to your dishes, or are a passionate cook eager to invent a signature flavor, this Homemade Cao Guo Spice Blend is a recipe you’ll cherish. While it sings in harmony with familiar dishes, the real fun begins when you start experimenting. A dash in your marinades, a sprinkle over your roasts, or even mixed into your homemade hot chocolate, and you’re all set to take your culinary adventure a notch higher.
What You’ll Need
- 2 tablespoons Dried Cao Guo (Tsaoko fruit), ground
- 1 tablespoon Star Anise, ground
- 1 tablespoon Szechuan Peppercorns, ground
- 1 tablespoon Fennel Seeds, ground
- 1 tablespoon Cinnamon, ground
- 1 teaspoon Cloves, ground
- 1 teaspoon Nutmeg, ground
- 1 teaspoon Dried Ginger, ground
- 1 teaspoon Dried Mandarin Orange Peel, ground
- 1 teaspoon Black cardamom seeds, ground
Method
Step One
First, ensure all your ingredients are prepared and ready to use. This includes having your Cao Guo, Star Anise, Szechuan Peppercorns, Fennel Seeds, Cinnamon, Cloves, Nutmeg, Dried Ginger, Dried Mandarin Orange Peel and Black Cardamom Seeds all grounded.
Step Two
Start with your principal ingredient, which is the Dried Cao Guo. Measure out the needed 2 tablespoons and pour it into a mixing bowl.
Step Three
Add the grounded Star Anise into the mixing bowl. Make sure you measure out one full tablespoon.
Step Four
Next is the grounded Szechuan Peppercorns. Again, measure out one tablespoon and add it to the mixture in the bowl.
Step Five
Subsequently add the grounded Fennel Seeds to the bowl. Be certain to measure precisely one tablespoon.
Step Six
Add your cinnamon to the spices in the bowl. Just as before, you’ll be adding one tablespoon of this spice.
Step Seven
The cloves come next. Measure out one teaspoon of grounded cloves and add it to the mixture in your bowl.
Step Eight
Nutmeg is up next. Add one teaspoon of the grounded Nutmeg into bowl.
Step Nine
Measure out one teaspoon of the Dried Ginger, ensuring it’s properly grounded, and add into the mixing bowl.
Step Ten
We’ll also be adding a taste of citrus with the Dried Mandarin Orange Peel. Take one teaspoon of this grounded spice and add it to your spice blend.
Step Eleven
The last ingredient to add is the grounded Black Cardamom Seeds. Using a teaspoon, measure and add this final ingredient to your mixture.
Step Twelve
Now, with all of your ingredients in the bowl, thoroughly mix them all together until your spice blend is well combined. Congratulations! You now have your very own Homemade Cao Guo Spice Blend.
