• https://youtu.be/ilTladKt_z4

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup all purpose flour
• 1/4 cup oat flour
• 3/4 cup almond milk or any milk of choice
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1/2 tablespoon baking powder
• a pinch of salt to balance of flavours
• 1 mashed banana
• 2 tablespoons dried blueberry
• 2 tablespoons dried cranberry
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground clove
• 1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoons ginger powder
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence
• 1/2 teaspoon almond essence

Instructions

• in a large bowl, add all dry ingredients and give a good mix. next make a well in the center, add in wet ingredients. mix until well combined. set aside.
• next, preheat waffle maker to desired heat for crispiness according to liking. add batter using a 1/4 cup and allow to cook until golden brown. remove and serve with syrup of choice or even fruits
• enjoy!

Other related recipes

Hope you try this Waffles recipe. Here are some similar recipes.

• Ripe Breadfruit Waffles
• Almond Flour and Milk

The post Waffles appeared first on Spice Island Cooking.

Clove is said to be a nutrient-dense spice, which is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and is rich in minerals (especially Magnesium) and vitamins. The following minerals are found in cloves:

• magnesium
• potassium
• calcium
• phosphorus
• zinc
• sodium

Vitamins found in cloves are as follows:

• folate
• vitamin B12
• vitamin D
• vitamin E
•  riboflavin
• vitamin B6 (to name a few)

Additionally, cloves contain various biochemicals such as eugenol, ethanol, thymol, benzene, flavonoids, hexane, and methylene chloride that make it rich in antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective properties.

Here are some health benefits of cloves:-

• Preserves bones – Cloves/ clove buds contain hydroalcoholic extracts like eugenol, flavonoids, isoflavones and flavones, which aids in aid in preserving bone density and are helpful in increasing the tensile strength of bones in osteoporosis and maintain a healthy mineral content for the bones. 
• Controls diabetes – Scientists have revealed that extracts from cloves imitate insulin in certain ways and maintains sugar levels in the body which helps control this disease.
• Aids in overcoming flatulence – Flatulence is caused due to the accumulation of gas in the alimentary canal. This not only causes uneasiness in the body, but it also leads to pain in the lower abdomen. Cloves can help reduce the amount of flatulence that accumulates throughout the day to alleviate pain and give you a much-needed boost of confidence.
• Treats respiratory infections & common cold – Clove when added to food during respiratory congestions can help you kick the infections away.  It works as an excellent expectorant that loosens mucus in the esophagus and throat to help us cough it out. The antimicrobial properties kill the pathogens that can lead to throat infections and congestion in the chest.
• Boosts immunity – Using clove as a spice in your daily preparations or adding it as a condiment in dishes can increase the food’s immune boosting power. It increases the white blood cell count which results in improving delayed type hypersensitivity.
•  Protects liver – The antioxidants and hepatoprotective properties found  in clove extracts are helpful in protecting the organs from free radicals. It helps in increasing metabolism and decreases the production of antioxidants in the liver.

There you have it SpiceFam! Next time you see this amazing spice be sure to include it in your kitchen/household items. Hope you enjoyed today’s blog. And in everything else, remember to use in moderation. See you in the next one!

The post Cloves – The Aromatic One appeared first on Spice Island Cooking.

• sweet Potato (1/2 lbs)
• 11/2-2 cups of sugar (more or less depending on your taste)
• 1/2 lb tannia or eddoes
• 1 cup grated coconut
• 1-2 tablespoons grated ginger (more or less depending on your taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1-2 cups water
• 1/2 cups coconut milk (i used organic. you can however use the packaged ones)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• -a dash of black pepper (optional)

Instructions

• preheat oven at 350 degrees F

• wash, peel and grate the tannia/eddoes and sweet potato. next grate them in a large bowl.
• add in the coconut, brown sugar, cinnamon powder, nutmeg and ginger and mix well
• next go in with the vanilla essence, coconut milk, water , a dash of black pepper (if using) and give it a good stir. be sure to taste for flavour and add more water if needed.
• once finished add to a baking dish and place in preheated oven for about 11/2 – 2 hours depending on your stove.
• allow to cool completely before cutting to get a firmer slice when cutting
• do enjoy!

The post Sweet Potato Pudding appeared first on Spice Island Cooking.

• end of a bread (any amount you desire)
• 1/2 teaspoon celery powder
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon black pepper or cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

• grate bread. next add in the seasonings mentioned and give it a really good mix.
• you can store it in an airtight container and place in refrigerator until needed

Please note:

you can use any dry seasonings of your choice

The post Homemade Bread Crumbs appeared first on Spice Island Cooking.

• 11/2 cups grated cassava
• water (about 4 cups)
• sweetened condensed milk or sugar to taste
• 1 cup coconut milk organic (you can use any kind of your choice)
• cloves
• bayleaf
• cinnamon powder

Instructions

• start of by adding 1 cup of water to your pot and add in spices. allow to come to a boil
• once boiling, add in grated cassava and stir constantly to avoid lumps or sticking to the pot
• once cassava starts getting thick, gradually add in the remaining water
• continue to stir until the cassava turns from white to a greyish colour which signifies that it’s cooked
• next add in coconut milk and give it a really good stir
• add in condensed milk or sweetener of choice and mix really well.
• once done turn of stove and serve hot. can be garnished with some grated nutmeg

The post Cassava Porridge appeared first on Spice Island Cooking.

Growing up in Grenada means that around Independence time our national dish “oil down” would be on display. That’s where saffron comes in. As part of the preparation for making our national dish, saffron is included into the grated coconut and strained to produce coconut milk and also give the oil down this nice yellow colour. It is also grown in Grenada as well as other parts of the world. Without further delay, here is some information on this amazing spice!

Just some background information on Saffron

Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world — with 1 pound (450 grams) costing between 500 and 5,000 U.S. dollars.

The reason for its hefty price is its labor-intensive harvesting method, making the production costly.

Saffron is harvested by hand from the Crocus sativus flower, commonly known as the “saffron crocus.” The term “saffron” applies to the flower’s thread-like structures, or stigma.

It originated in Greece, where it was revered for its medicinal properties. People would eat saffron to enhance libido, boost mood, and improve memory.

Some benefits of Saffron;

• A powerful antioxidant – Saffron contains an impressive variety of plant compounds that act as antioxidants — molecules that protect your cells against free radicals and oxidative stress.
• May reduce PMS Symptoms – Saffron may also act to reduce the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
• Weight loss – Taking saffron supplements frequently may help reduce the need for snacking (which aids in weight gain) by making you more full and in turn snack less
• May improve memory in adults with Alzheimer’s disease – Saffron’s antioxidant properties may improve cognition in adults with Alzheimer’s disease.
• May have cancer-fighting properties – Saffron is high in antioxidants, which help neutralize harmful free radicals. Free radical damage has been linked to chronic diseases, such as cancer.
• Easy to add to your diet – In small doses, saffron has a subtle taste and aroma and pairs well with savory dishes, such as paella, risottos, and other rice dishes. The best way to draw out saffron’s unique flavor is to soak the threads in hot — but not boiling — water. Add the threads and the liquid to your recipe to achieve a deeper, richer flavor.
• Preventing nervous system disorders – The antioxidants in saffron may play a role in protecting the body from disorders affecting the nervous system. Compounds in saffron such as crocin appear to reduce inflammation and oxidative damage in the brain, which may lead to beneficial effects.
• Boosting mood – There is also growing evidence that saffron may help improve mood and be a useful addition to treatment for depression.
• May act as an Aphrodisiac – Aphrodisiacs are foods or supplements that help boost your libido. Saffron may have aphrodisicac properties especially in people taking anti-depressants.

So there you have it guys! A beautiful spice that can be used in cooking as well as a form of medication.

Remember guys! Everything in moderation and maybe trying incorporating this lovely spice into your cooking/baking.

Hope you enjoyed today’s blog. See you soon!

The post Saffron: An important spice for any kitchen appeared first on Spice Island Cooking.