The Cook's Complete Guide to Spices

This is a full-colour photographic identification guide to 50 spices in all their guises, and illustrated recipes for over 35 traditional spice mixtures. This is the most comprehensive reference guide to all the familiar and lesser-known spices and traditional spice blends, complete with a fascinating historical introduction, and information on preparation and cooking techniques, containers and equipment. It is illustrated instructions on how to make spiced gifts, decorations, aromatic cooking oils, flavoured vinegars and a variety of drinks. This book is a kitchen reference, with information on all the common and lesser-known spices. The introductory section provides straightforward instructions on preparation, cooking techniques, plus information on storage and equipment. The book then features a full-colour A-Z index of 50 spices and aromatic ingredients, each shown in all its various forms - whole, ground, dried or fresh - including facts about its history, origins, and medicinal and culinary uses. This volume gives a fascinating insight into the world of spices, revealing their historical importance and the development of the spice trade, as well as their diverse uses. It is an intriguing guide to spices of the world - the only book on identifying, preparing and using spices that you will ever need.