Homemade Clove Spice Blend
Here we have one of my favorite ways to use cloves. Creating a spice blend allows you to use the clove universally in many different recipes. Perfect for baking, coffee, tea, oatmeal, and fall-inspired dishes. This mix highlights the bold depth of cloves while balancing sweetness and warmth. Preparing this blend beforehand ensures that you are always in reach of some clove for whatever you are making.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Yield: About 1/2 cup
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons ground cloves
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
Instructions
- Add all spices to a small mixing bowl.
- Whisk together until evenly combined.
- Transfer to an airtight jar or spice container.
- Store in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
How to Use
- Add 1/2–1 teaspoon to coffee or lattes.
- Mix into cookie or cake batter.
- Stir into oatmeal or yogurt.
- Sprinkle over roasted sweet potatoes.
- Use in potpourri for a warm seasonal scent.
Pro Tip
For the freshest flavor, grind whole cloves using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle instead of using pre-ground cloves.
Warm Cinnamon Clove Tea
There is truly nothing cozier than tea on a cold day or curling up with a good book. Here we have a soothing, fragrant tea made with warming spices. This tea combines cinnamon and cloves for a comforting and naturally flavorful drink.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 2 cups
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 whole cloves
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
- 1 slice lemon (optional)
Instructions
- Add water, cinnamon stick, cloves, and ginger to a small saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 5–7 minutes to release the spice flavors.
- Strain the tea into mugs.
- Add honey or lemon if desired and serve warm.
How to Use
- Enjoy as a warm evening drink.
- Serve during cold weather for a comforting beverage.
- Pair with baked goods like muffins or spice cookies.
- Add a splash of milk for a creamy chai-style variation.
Pro Tip
Lightly crush the cloves before adding them to the water to release more aromatic oils and enhance the flavor of the tea.
Clove Water: Is It The Latest Health Fad?
Look, I will be honest, when it comes to the latest trends floating around the internet, I tend to be a little bit skeptical. With good reason, some of the things you see on the internet are down-right insane. Though, since you are here, on a page about cloves, I thought I would do my due diligence in providing my thoughts on the matter and to hopefully answer, “is it the latest health fad?”.
Generally, spices have been known to have a wide array of health benefits. Clove is no different. In an article titled “What Happens If You Drink Clove Water For 10 Straight Days, Nutritionist Explains” written by NDTV Health Desk, as the title suggests, the look at how the body reacts if you indulge in clove water the course of 10 days.
Now, you might be wondering, “what is the validity of this article?”. Well thankfully, this wasn’t an article written on the opinion of someone’s Facebook post. The article was written on the information given by nutritionist, Nmami Agarwal. Nmami specializes in the holistic approach of disease reversal and weight management. In my opinion, this is a good basis of any article, a professional’s comments.
Now for the good parts, what happened to the body after the 10 days? First let’s address the elephant in the room. Is this just another fad? Well, the article responses to that exact inquiry by saying, “Nmami claims that this simple home remedy is an example of ‘basic biochemistry at work’ rather than a wellness fad.” It seems that the consensus, as well as the observations suggest that clove water has its benefits mainly in digestion, skin health, and lung health.
According to professionals, it is beneficial to the lungs because it reduces mucus and inflammation. This is especially beneficial for those who have difficulties breathing. The antioxidants in cloves help give skin a glow and a healthy look to it. Finally, clove water seemingly helps reduce bloating and promotes strong digestion.
While I admit, I am skeptical of internet fads, this one seems to have evidence behind it. It helps having professionals weigh in on the subject matter. Though now it begs the question, is it too good to be true? Stay tuned for my next review.
If you want to read the article yourself, you can check it out at the link here: https://www.ndtv.com/health/what-happens-if-you-drink-clove-water-for-10-straight-days-nutritionist-explains-9837496.
What's New and Exciting!
There is nothing better than being able to enjoy your food with a wonderful view in the background. One of my favorite places to have a picnic would be, Lake Minnewanka Picnic Area. With a wonderful lakeside view, it is not only breath-taking, but it gives you the opportunity to enjoy your meal in the great outdoors.
To get there, drive west from Calgary on the Trans-Canada Highway toward Banff, then follow Lake Minnewanka Drive. For directions, see Google Maps: https://maps.google.com/?q=Lake+Minnewanka+Picnic+Area
A Fellow Spice Enthusiast
I wanted to show my appreciation and commend my friend Daniel’s website, Green Cardamom, which can be found at the following URL https://danielbarrios29.github.io/greencardamom/. Daniel’s site presents an exploration of green cardamom that is well-written, thoroughly researched, and organized in a way that appeals to readers of all knowledge levels. Daniel touches on the spice’s cultural significance, its role in cooking, and even its medicinal properties. The information given throughout the website shows Daniel’s extensive knowledge base on the spice, and it is that expertise that makes learning new topics a relational and ultimately an infinitely enjoyable experience. If you want to expand your horizons, this is the place to do it. #greencardamom #cardamombenefits #cardamomspice