Blog | Oak City Spice Blends

Let's get Cooking!

This isn't just a collection of recipes. It's a growing library of cooking lessons, historical inspiration, and practical techniques designed to help you become a more confident home cook. Learn how to build flavor, understand spices, master the Bloom Method, and discover the stories behind the world's great culinary traditions. Whether you're making dinner in twenty minutes or spending the afternoon exploring a recipe from another century, you'll find ideas that make cooking both easier and more rewarding.

A Tale of Two Pots: The Rich Histories of the Dutch Oven and the Tagine

I still remember the first time I lifted the heavy lid of a Dutch Oven. It felt like I was unlocking an ancient treasure chest—iron and sturdy, its contents simmering slowly, brimming with flavor. Not too long after, I encountered a Tagine in a small Moroccan eatery. The exotic aroma that escaped from beneath that conical lid was unforgettable. These two cooking vessels each hold a special place in my kitchen—and in culinary history. Let me take you on a little journey, part

Spicekeeper's Cottage - Recipes

7 min read

Cheesy Mashed Potato Fries with Uppity Chicken Seasoning

A crispy, cheesy twist on fries made with mashed potatoes and Uppity Chicken Seasoning for extra flavor! Ingredients: 2 cups mashed potatoes (cooled, preferably from russet potatoes) 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix) ½ cup cornstarch (plus extra for dusting) 1 teaspoon Uppity Chicken Seasoning (from Oak City Spice Blends) Oil for frying (vegetable or canola) Instructions: Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, mix mashed potatoes (ensure there are no lu

Spicekeeper's Cottage - Recipes

1 min read

Saxon Silk Braised Beef Ribs: A Taste of History in Every Bite

Some meals transport you to another time, and this one takes you straight to the heart of medieval feasting halls. Imagine a long wooden table, flickering candlelight, and the deep aroma of slow-braised meat filling the air. This is the kind of dish that would have been fit for a noble feast—rich, spiced, and deeply comforting. But let’s be honest, the original rib roast braised in wine from my 1990 New York Times Cookbook had its challenges. It called for Cognac, a fancy ro

Spicekeeper's Cottage - Recipes

3 min read

Lu Bao Roast Chicken

Succulent, aromatic chicken perfect for any weeknight dinner or special occasion. Ingredients (4 servings) 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin on) or 4 chicken breasts (boneless) 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for the pan) 1 tablespoon Lu Bao Seasoning 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste) ½ teaspoon black pepper (optional) Juice from half a lemon (optional) Instructions Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line a sheet pan with foil.

Spicekeeper's Cottage - Recipes

1 min read