Speculaas Spices

So glad we are going to our other home base in a couple of months. I am out of speculaas spices, and our son will surely order pepernoten.

Isn't it interesting how important spices and flavorings have become in our food? Back before Europeans traveled the world over to bring back spices, their food was probably healthy but BORING! Just remember "peas porridge hot, peas porridge cold, peas porridge in the pot, nine days old." Most of the flavor back when that nursery rhyme was invented came from the leftovers that were stirred around with the new additions every day. No fridges back then! Just a big black metal pot hanging all the time near the fireplace. No wonder people were so short and died in their 30's.

Even salt and sugar were not readily available and were expensive. Imagine not having salt, pepper, and sugar!

I keep too many spices in my spice drawer and usually end up throwing out the really old stuff. Not many years ago McCormick reminded customers that their rectangular spice cans were obsolete and the contents needed to be discarded. I wish I could see how many of you are rushing to your spice cabinet to see if you still have those cute little tins.

Today's recipe is Memaw's Spice Cake from Just Plain Cooking:

Spice Cake (Memaw's)

OOPS! I had better discuss this recipe with Memaw. It doesn't make sense to me. Will try this another day.

TGIF