Why is it called mixed spice?
Technically all seasoning blends could be considered “mixed spices”, but you can blame the British for the name. “Mixed Spice” was popularized in Britain going back at least as far as the early 19th century. The British also call it “pudding spice” (“pudding” being the British term for a sweet dessert). You probably think of it as apple pie spice or pumpkin spice.
Make baking easier with this convenient blend.
Cinnamon and nutmeg star in this blend. Surprisingly, though, it also includes ground coriander seed, which gives it an extra earthy flavor. You’ll improve almost any recipe calling for some combination of cinnamon & nutmeg by using an equivalent amount of this instead. We use it in many different ways, including in French toast batter, banana bread, ginger snaps, and to spice up our yogurt.
And because both mixed spice and simnel cake are British traditions, I highly recommend you get this recipe from the website of another British tradition, Mary Berry. According to her, “Simnel cake was traditionally given by servant girls to their mothers when they returned home on Mothering Sunday.” It’s so good, however, you should make it and eat it.
FYI, this recipe is also featured in our cookbook. (Shameless plug) We wrote our cookbook to answer the question, “What on Earth do I do with these seasoning blends?” We start each chapter with a recipe for a seasoning blend, then give you at least ten recipes to use it up. Clever, right?
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Mixed Spice
Description
A sweet, tasty seasoning blend that goes great with cookies and more.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons ground nutmeg
1 1/2 tablespoons ground allspice
2 teaspoons ground cloves
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 1/2 teaspoons ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground mace
Instructions
Combine all ingredients, mix well, and store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
Notes
Whenever a recipe calls for apple pie spice, pumpkin pie spice, or just lists a lot of ingredients for seasoning a pie, quick bread, cake, cookie, or desserts in general…use this instead.
Keywords: mixed spice, pumpkin spice, apple pie spice, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves
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