Dinner Tonight

Dinner Tonight

Healthy Cooking for a Healthy Texas

Spices, Do they Expire?

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When was the last time you looked at your spices?  Do they still have a bright color or a strong fragrance?  Are they expired?

The USDA defines spices and other foods that can be stored at room temperature as a “Shelf Stable” product that will truly never expire, however, over time the flavor and potency of the spices will diminish.  Flavoring extracts can evaporate over time.  Most of the shelf life is between 6 months to 1 year, with the exception of pure vanilla extract.  Pure vanilla extract can improve with age if stored in a dark cool place.

Try these tips to keep your spice rack on track!

-Keep spices in the original bottles or store in airtight containers.

-Add the date you purchased spice on the bottle for a quick reference.

-Read the manufactures label, most of the time there is an expiration date.

-Store in a dark cool place.

Take a look at some of the popular spices and a suggested shelf life.

Pecan Apple Spice Cookies

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Pecan Apple Spice Cookies set on a plate. Try these delicious Pecan Apple Spice Cookies to get a delicious taste of fall! Perfect for any holiday cookie trade party!

Pecan Apple Spice Cookies set on a plate.
Pecan Apple Spice Cookies
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Pecan Apple Spice Cookies set on a plate.
Pecan Apple Spice Cookies
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Servings
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Ingredients
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Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350, clean area, and wash apples
  2. In a small bowl, combine, flour, oats, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a mixing bowl, mix with an electric mixer butter, sugar, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
  4. Slowly mix in flour mixture until smooth
  5. Fold in apple and pecans
  6. Form the dough into 1” balls, place on cookie sheet, and press down.
  7. Bake at 350 for 6-8 minutes
  8. Remove from oven and serve warm for that yummy warm fall feeling
Recipe Notes

Moroccan Chicken Tagine

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Moraccan Chicken Tagine a recipe by Dinner Tonight
Moroccan Chicken Tagine
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Moraccan Chicken Tagine a recipe by Dinner Tonight
Moroccan Chicken Tagine
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  1. Heat oil in non-stick pan over medium-high heat.
  2. Add chicken, cook for 5 minutes on each side, or until brown. Transfer chicken to plate, cover to keep warm.
  3. Cook onion in the same skillet for 7 minutes. Add spices, honey, and tomatoes.
  4. Return chicken to the skillet. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes.
  5. Stir in raisins and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until chicken is done. Serve over couscous.
Recipe Notes

Spice Things Up! Substitutions in Place of Salt!

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Title Slide

Spices help add flavor to our foods while cutting back on the amount of sodium/salt in our foods.  Here are a few substitutions to try when adding flavor to many of your favorite foods.

#1 Cumin

 Cumin Seeds

Cumin is traditionally used in Mexican dishes.  This spice comes from the Mediterranean region, which means it pairs well with many Italian, Spanish, and Greek dishes.

#2  Hot Curry

Hot Curry

Curry comes in a variety of spice mixtures.  Regions incorporate a mix of different spices like turmeric, cinnamon, cumin, coriander, and cayenne powders to create a curry blend.  Hot curry blends can add spice to grilled chicken, baked summer squash, or pasta.

#3 Nutmeg

 Nutmeg

Nutmeg is known for adding spice to many sweet dishes.  However, it is a great addition to many savory dishes as well.    Try it mixed in a baked cauliflower recipe or add it a fillet of fish.  A little goes a long way with this spice; start with 1/8 teaspoon in your dish.

Just a reminder: Start with a small amount of a spice and only increase the amount of spice you add to a dish by 1 1/2 times.   Try starting with 1/4 teaspoon for most ground spices.  You might start with less if you are adding in a hot or strong spice like cayenne, red chili peppers, cloves, nutmeg, or peppercorns!

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