Schwartz spices and recipes

Spices and seasonings are not essential but can greatly enhance the taste of any dish when it is bland or some meats need that extra touch.

Lockdown has definitely changed the way we eat and home and Thanks to that the younger generation are now more confident with cooking.

There are so many brands out there as well as supermarket versions but as a foodie I like to try every brand out there.

This time I tried Schwartz which is under McCormick spices, another brand that you will find in other countries especially Asia.

As a fan of Southern and Louisiana food, I got the Cajun Seasoning as well as the one pan Cajun chicken & rice seasoning.

I also got the beef casserole which is an English classic.

Cajun seasoning:

Upon removing the freshness seal, there was a lovely spice aroma.

Before I use any spices, I always try them on their own to see how strong it is and it was really nice with a spicy kick as well as salty kick.

I tossed some fries in the Cajun seasoning and it worked out really well, each chip was fully seasoned and moreish.

As well as fries, it tasted really good in seafood dishes for that Louisiana comfort. 

ONE PAN - Cajun chicken & rice

I was really impressed when I saw this as an option because you can make a whole meal with this by just adding chicken and rice.

The difference with the one pan Cajun and the seasoning is that the herbs are more coarse in the one pan to bring out more flavours in the dish.

Now you can get other tasty meat rice dishes from their one pan range which doesn't stop at Paella.

Beef Casserole:

Beef casserole is such an English classic dish eaten at home and popularly ordered at the restaurants.

Thanks to lockdown, everyone is more confident in trying to cook at home.

This is why I like the beef casserole because it makes it simple because all you do is add the beef and vegetables and then the casserole mix and cook it in the oven resulting in a hearty beef casserole.

M&S Marks Spencers Winterberry & Fizz crisps

M&S winterberry & fizz crisps are back!!
These crisps are evidently popular and successful as you can find photos of these crisps since 2015!

I had these get these crisps as they are the only crisps with edible gold stars on them.
I feel that the stars are getting justice because the colours are not contrasted.
It would look great if purple potatoes were used and the gold stars would contrast it nicely.
As for the taste, there was a lovely tangy raspberry flavour which you can imagine tasting like raspberry balsamic vinegar.

Morrisons new moon & stars malted biscuits

As you know I love star shaped anything hence the reason I got these moon & stars malted biscuits.

They were nice as expected but a little bit sweet.

Mr Kiplings toffee apple pies

Mr Kiplings apple pies are good but the new toffee apple pies are amazing that I don't think I can go back to the regular apple pies.
They are so heavenly and decadent.

Mr Kiplings winter berry and custard crumble tarts

Currently there are two tarts in the Kipling range with custard.
One is the apple pear and this is the second one.
I was really looking forward to this because berries and custard sounded good but it turned out to be the first thing I didn't like from Mr Kipling's.
The spices were horrible especially the cloves.

After reading the ingredients I was surprised to see all these weird spices: cinnamon, ginger, coriander, dill, cloves and nutmeg!!

Cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves are Christmassy but the coriander and dill are weird.

Karma Bites Popped Lotus Seeds Peri-Peri

Karma Bites Popped Lotus Seeds Peri-Peri 

Lotus seeds are not new ingredients because they are commonly found in Asia. 

I've tried them in desserts and as a lotus paste in mooncakes which were not my cup of tea. 

At Indian shops, you will find the popped lotus seeds just like these ones but not flavoured. 

Since I have never tried popped lotus seeds I decided to try Karma Bites because the one at the Indian stores looked like Honey Wheat Puffs. 

Karma Bites are not the only popped lotus seed brand but their design and flavours looked better.

The taste of these popped lotus seeds are amazing, they literally disintegrate in your mouth like maize snacks but without the husk bits. 

Overall, I definitely recommend this flavour and it would also taste good as a sweet flavour as well judging by the texture.

Popped lotus seeds found in Indian stores:

Sea Chips Salt & Vinegar Salmon Skin Crisps

Sea Chips Salt & Vinegar Salmon Skin Crisps

Fried fish skin is a common thing in Asia but it is hard getting quality ones.

When I discovered Sea Chips salmon skin crisps I had to give them a try.

There are two flavours: salt and vinegar or chilli lime. 

It was hard deciding but in the end I got Salt & Vinegar because I wasn't sure if their lime flavouring would taste artificial or natrual.

To be honest, it was really nice but the saltiness killed it and the vinegar was non existent. 

If it wasn't for the saltiness, it would have been nicer than the ones in ASIA which are too thick and hard. Due to the saltiness, I have found another use for it by crushing it up and sprinkling it on pasta or salad just like crispy bacon.

In terms of value, they are the priciest bag of salmon skin crisps because you only get 20g in there for £1.25!!!