Culinary tips for a delicious holiday fare

These tips include substituting dried herbs for fresh herbs and substituting whole spices for ground spices. She also suggests using spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and black pepper, as well as rosemary and thyme. Add cloves to cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, aromatic blend.

Herbs – fresh or dried?

Dried herbs have a more concentrated flavor than fresh herbs. When adding dried herbs to a recipe that calls for fresh, substitute 1/3 of the amount called for in a recipe. For example: 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs = 1 teaspoon dried herbs. If the dried herbs are old, their flavor could be weaker and more may be needed for desired flavor.

“Dried herbs should be added to the recipe during the cooking process to allow for flavors to be infused,” Baker said. “Fresh herbs should be added towards the end of cooking to preserve their flavor.”

Spice it up with cinnamon

Cinnamon is a versatile spice often featured in holiday beverages and baked goods. While it’s commonly associated with sweet treats, cinnamon also brings warm, earthy notes to savory dishes like soups, sauces, dry rubs and marinades. Widely used in Indian and Mexican cuisines, it pairs beautifully with spices like coriander, cumin and ginger.

Try adding a dash of cinnamon to chili, pulled pork ribs, pork chops with apples, or baked beans.

“Remember, a little cinnamon goes a long way—using it sparingly ensures it enhances rather than overpowers your dish,” Baker said.

Use nutmeg for festive baking

Nutmeg shines best when paired with other spices. In the United States, it’s often combined with cinnamon, cloves and ginger in holiday beverages and baked goods, or with cumin and allspice in savory dishes. While it’s a classic ingredient in holiday pies and squash recipes, nutmeg also complements egg dishes, pasta sauces, greens and pot roasts.

Ground nutmeg quickly loses its potency, so it’s usually sold in small containers. For maximum flavor and aroma, consider buying whole nutmeg and grating it fresh just before using.

Mix with cloves for hint of warmth

Cloves also are a holiday favorite. Pair cloves with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for a warm, aromatic blend.

Known for their strong, pungent flavor, cloves are typically used in small amounts to avoid overwhelming a dish. Ground cloves quickly lose their aroma, which is why they’re often sold in small containers.

During the holidays, cloves are popular in beverages, baked goods, and as a fragrant addition to holiday ham. However, they also add a unique depth to soups, sauces, dry rubs, stews, pot roasts, and roasted vegetables. Additionally, cloves are a staple in Indian cuisine, bringing a hint of warmth and complexity.

Add ginger for unique flavor

Ginger is a signature spice with a warm, spicy flavor that’s especially popular during the holiday season. In the United States, it’s often associated with gingerbread and other holiday baked goods, as well as ginger-flavored sodas. However, ginger is also a key ingredient in Chinese, Japanese and Indian cuisines, where it adds a unique zest to a variety of dishes.

Ginger is available in both dried and ground forms in the spice aisle. Because ginger is a root, it can also be found fresh in the produce section. It is important to remember that fresh and ground ginger aren’t interchangeable in recipes, as each form brings a distinct flavor and intensity.

Don’t forget the black pepper

Black pepper is one of the most popular spices in the United States, found in pantries, shakers, grinders and even in those little packets in takeout utensils. But why is it also considered a holiday spice?

Black pepper plays a key role in many savory holiday dishes, adding a zesty kick that varies with the amount used. Whole peppercorns are especially effective in brines for holiday turkeys and pork, where they help impart a deep, robust flavor to the meat.

Surprisingly, black pepper can also add a subtle warmth to desserts like homemade custards or fruit-based treats when used sparingly.

Freshly ground pepper offers the best flavor, and the grind’s coarseness can influence a dish’s overall taste.

Aromatic herbs rosemary and thyme

For those who thought rosemary and thyme were only popular in Simon and Garfunkel’s folk ballad Scarborough Fair, these herbs are also a hit during the holidays.

Rosemary is a popular holiday herb, adding its distinctive, mildly citrus-like aroma to savory dishes such as potatoes, meats, pastas and breads. It also lends a surprising depth to certain desserts and makes a festive garnish for holiday cocktails.

Rosemary is available fresh, dried, or ground. The most potent form is ground rosemary, so it’s best used sparingly. Whether fresh or dried, rosemary brings a fragrant touch that enhances the seasonal flavors in holiday recipes.

Thyme is a beloved herb for holiday cooking, known for its earthy flavor with hints of mint and citrus. It’s commonly used in dishes featuring meats and poultry, roasted vegetables, tomato-based meals and sauces.

Thyme can be added fresh or dried to foods. When using fresh thyme, either strip the leaves from the stem before adding to the dish or cook with a sprig or two. Remove thyme before serving, as the stems are woody and inedible.

Dried thyme is more concentrated in flavor than fresh, so use about half as much. Add thyme early in the cooking process to ensure even distribution of its aromatic flavor.

For more information about using herbs in holiday dishes, check out Healthy, holiday recipes from the Clemson Home and Garden Information Center.