mountain of spices: cottage industry

greetings - thanks for visiting my site!

This blog is a companion site to my online business at emburke.etsy.com where I sell unique spice and seasoning blends. I will be featuring recipes that use the spice blends here, but you can easily adapt them to suit your own needs. Also, my spice and seasoning blends are interchangeable - you can easily use one blend in place of another to get a different creative result or you can play it safe and stick to the recipe.

NEW NEWS!

NEW ITEMS!
I am happy to announce the introduction of two new spice blends that will be available through this site: Szechuan Seasoning, which was inspired by the tasty Crispy Crackling Aromatic Roasted Pork featured on the gourmet menu at the Great Wall Chinese Restaurant in Florence, MA., and the infamous El Topo Negro (Black Mole), which is neither black nor a ground burrowing rodent but a spicy mole sauce seasoning & rub. Rub a dub dub! Please have a look at them and buy some for your Post-Summertime grilling and inhouse cooking!

Also, each quarter a portion of all sales from this site will be given to support a local charity in Western Massachusetts.

MORE NEW NEWS!
At the suggestion of our friends, Jude & Tomoko, starting in June we will be offering a Spice of the Month Club membership. We are working on our first feature - a special summertime seasoning perfect for grilling - & will be announcing it soon. Maybe it will be the infamous el topo negro (black mole)... Stay tuned in for details!

I have a variety of spice & seasoning blends available for purchase here - the perfect compliment for your meat & vegetarian entrées or side dishes. Each of my spice blends are made from fresh, organic spices purchased locally and are ground & blended by myself. They can be used as a dry or wet rub, as a marinade or sauce, or as a seasoning to add a little extra flavor.

Also, if you have any ideas, suggestions or challenges - send them on to me and I'll place them on the site as well.

Each quarter a portion of all sales from this site will be given to support a local charity in Western Massachusetts.

I think you will enjoy them as much as I do. Please spread the word!

Thanks, Elliott

P.S. - I'll have some other items available here in the near future.
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Friday, December 5, 2008

cottage industry

We recently moved and, while this post isn't about food or spices, I know everyone out there is interested in seeing some photos of the new place. We moved into a small cottage on a farm just fifteen minutes east of our old place, and the farm comes with plenty of land for hiking and lots of animals to keep me amused and happy. The place also has a communal garden which Cheryl is excited to put to good use. Maybe we'll have our own freshly grown selection of herbs and chilies. So, I present here for your viewing pleasure, our humble new cottage and a cast of characters. These photos and more will be available for viewing - and purchasing (hint hint - wink wink - nudge nudge) on my Flickr site at http://www.flickr.com/photos/emburke/

Our new cottage

Elliott painting

Cena reigns

Our new front room

Our new kitchen - where the spice action happens

Puppet brigade

Cheryl, settled in & fast at work

Syd is pleased with his new home

Our new back yard

Regina, our new neighbor

One of several horse neighbors

The girls

Pinky the pig!

small town conversation

Colby, shamefully begging to have his belly rubbed

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Read what some nice people have to say about my spices:"

Some mornings, I just stand in the kitchen alone and sniff Elliotts' spice. Then I'm somehow ready to start my day. And, oh yes, Elliott's spice IS great for cooking. Your eating habit will literally get "spiced up"."~ Tomoko Deeney (TADworks)

"I’ve almost never finished a full jar of spice and I’ve used several jars of Elliott’s spices in a matter of months. They are very unique and full of different flavors without being too salty or overpowering. They get my highest recommendation. Try them and you will love them."~ Keith Brisebois

"Elliott’s Green Thai is the most amazing spice... perfect for tacos, fish, chicken or beef. Once you’ve tried it, you won’t be able to cook without it!"~ Chrissie Henry

"I hadn't really explored the world of spices until this mixture somehow found its way into my cupboard. I had lived a fairly plain sea salt and cracked pepper food life, until this came along. I enjoy the 'kick' it has on my palate. And still the blend lends itself to good eatin'."~ Rachel Wilson

"Having a jar of Elliott's spice blends in my cupboard I feel as if I have been instantly transformed into a fantastic chef. Dishes I would normally feel intimidated to try - Curried Cauliflower, Tandori Chicken, Morrocan Lamb Stew - now feel within reach. Thank you, Elliott for opening up a whole world, literally, of fabulous food!"~ Alicia Pritt

"Filled a void in my life."~ Elizabeth (from Russia)

a distinctive Mexican classic

To purchase this item please click here.

Recognized as a staple seasoning for Spanish and Mexican foods, Sazón gives any meal that distinctive flavor found in fajitas, tacos, enchiladas and their savory sauces.

Use this seasoning on practically any entree with vegetables, beef, poultry, pork or fish, and even to flavor rice, soups and stews.

Nicely packaged in a square 4 oz metal tin with clear lid for convenient storage & easy use.

Weight: 4.00 ± oz
Size: 2.56" X 2.56" X 1.37"

contains: onion, garlic, achiote, cumin, coriander, paprika, chili, chipotle chili, red chili, white pepper & salt.

introducing an old favorite!

To purchase this item please click here.

This is one of the original spice seasoning blends I created when I began making and selling them in 2006. It is still a favorite of mine!

Curries came to the Cape of Good Hope by way of traders from India and the surrounding islands, and the Malayan peoples have had a significant influence on the traditional cuisine of Cape Town, South Africa.

Use this Afrikan Malayan curry to spice up unique entrees & dishes, or make a paste with it to season & marinade meats.

Nicely packaged in a square 4 oz metal tin with clear lid for convenient storage & easy use.

Weight: 4.00 ± oz
Size: 2.56" X 2.56" X 1.37"

contains: cumin, fennel, red chiles, chili powder, paprika, allspice, cloves, cinnamon, black & white pepper & salt.

an original exotic blend

To purchase this item please click here.

This is my favorite!

Tai tribes from the southwestern region of China brought their distinctive recipes to Thailand & Laos, areas rich in herbs, spices, tropical plants, fish and game.

Original curry seasoning blend featuring lemon grass, kaffir lime, curry leaf & cardamom. This spice seasoning has a great flavor without being too spicy. Perfect as a rub or marinade on a variety of meat entrées, as a sauce or a seasoning in side dishes.

Nicely packaged in a square 4 oz metal tin with clear lid for convenient storage & easy use.

$8.00 US each plus $2.00 US for shipping & handling

Weight: 4.00 ± oz
Size: 2.56" X 2.56" X 1.37"

contains: ginger, garlic, onion, cardamom, red pepper, chili pepper, lemon grass, lemon zest, kaffir lime, curry leaf, coriander, curry, black & white pepper, citric acid & salt.
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Some very generous quotes and recommendations from others:

Elliott’s Green Thai is the most amazing spice... perfect for tacos, fish, chicken or beef. Once you’ve tried it, you won’t be able to cook without it!
~ Chrissie Henry

My wife brought the Green Thai Spice as a gift to some friends she was visiting & they tried it in scrambled eggs!They loved it! I had my doubts but we tried it yesterday - I have to admit that I was quite surprised myself!
~ Elliott

a North African-Middle Eastern crossroad delight

To purchase this item please click here.

Sumptuous tajines come from Morocco and other regions of Northern Africa, and refer to the unique cooking pot as well as the delicious stews cooked in them. Use this spice blend to season lamb, beef, & poultry or sauces. If you don’t have a tagine to cook with try using a crock or stove top pot.

Original tajine seasoning blend featuring ginger, onion cumin, cinnamon & saffron. This spice seasoning has a medium hot spice flavor. Wonderful as a rub or marinade on meats, as a sauce or a seasoning in side dishes.

Nicely packaged in a square 4 oz metal tin with clear lid for convenient storage & easy use.

$8.00 US each plus $2.00 US for shipping & handling

Weight: 4.00 ± oz
Size: 2.56" X 2.56" X 1.37"

contains: ginger, coriander, paprika, saffron, cinnamon, cumin, ancho pepper, red chili, cayenne, achiote, onion, garlic, black & white pepper, citric acid & salt.
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Some very generous quotes and recommendations from others:

I hadn't really explored the world of spices until this mixture somehow found its way into my cupboard. I had lived a fairly plain sea salt and cracked pepper food life, until this came along. I enjoy the 'kick' it has on my palate. And still the blend lends itself to good eatin'.
~ Rachel Wilson

a rich East African delicacy

To purchase this item please click here.

Berbère is the traditional Ethiopian seasoning for lentils and beans & is excellent for flavoring meats. Use as a dry rub or mix with a little water to make into a curry paste. Great as a seasoning for vegetables, whole grains, legumes & sauces.

Nicely packaged in a square 4 oz metal tin with clear lid for convenient storage & easy use.

$8.00 US each plus $2.00 US for shipping & handling

Weight: 4.00 ± oz
Size: 2.56" X 2.56" X 1.37"

contains: red chiles, cayenne, paprika, cardamom, cumin, fenugreek, onion, garlic, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, clove, black & white pepper, citric acid, salt.
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our favorite Indian blend

To purchase this item please click here.

The popular tandoor oven of India comes from the ancient Babylonian tinuru. Little has changed since then & tandoori cooking remains a favorite over the world. Best used as a thick marinade with yoghurt in oven roasting & baking, this spice will liven up your lamb & poultry dishes & make them dance.

Nicely packaged in a square 4 oz metal tin with clear lid for convenient storage & easy use.

$8.00 US each plus $2.00 US for shipping & handling

Weight: 4.00± oz
Size: 2.56" X 2.56" X 1.37"

contains: garlic, ginger, cumin, cardamom, red pepper, chili pepper, coriander, achiote, saffron, onion, paprika, fenugreek, turmeric, black & white pepper, citric acid & salt.
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Some very generous quotes and recommendations from others:

I’ve almost never finished a full jar of spice and I’ve used several jars of Elliott’s spices in a matter of months. They are very unique and full of different flavors without being too salty or overpowering. They get my highest recommendation. Try them and you will love them.
~ Keith Brisebois

a taste of the Mediterranean - via Ellis Island

To purchase this item please click here.

Use this seasoning on regular favorites – lamb, game, side dishes, sauces & roasted vegetables. Mix with lemon, yoghurt or olive oil to make tasty marinades.

Nicely packaged in a square 4 oz metal tin with clear lid for convenient storage & easy use.

$8.00 US each plus $2.00 US for shipping & handling

Weight: 4.00± oz
Size: 2.56" X 2.56" X 1.37"

contains: marjoram, oregeno, onion, garlic, cinnamon, nutmeg, fenugreek, mint, paprika, ancho pepper, thyme, turmeric, black & white pepper, citric acid, salt.
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an American classic

To purchase this item please click here.

Being one of the elder statesmen of the new country’s melting pot, Cajun cooking needs no introduction. With an extra kick from chipotle peppers, this blend is perfect for seafood and meats as well as seasoning sauces, stews and Tex-Mex dishes. Try on roast pork & French fries!

Nicely packaged in a square 4 oz metal tin with clear lid for convenient storage & easy use.

$8.00 US each plus $2.00 US for shipping & handling

Weight: 4.00± oz
Size: 2.56" X 2.56" X 1.37"

contains: paprika, garlic, black & white pepper, red pepper, thyme, marjoram, oregano, onion, mustard, ancho pepper, chipotle pepper, fenugreek, citric acid, chili, cayenne, salt
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Some very generous quotes and recommendations from others:

The fragrance of your spice bursted out when I opened the envelope!! I just cannot get enough of it. Thanks for making your spice available online. I love the new packaging!
~ Tomoko Deeney (TADworks)