Spice bags & using spices

Keep a batch of dried spices to add to preserves, casseroles, roasted vegetables, poached fruit or anything really.

List of good spices to have

cinnamon sticks
star anise
dried or fresh chilli
fresh ginger, or freeze slices in a bag or container
cardamon pods
mustard seeds
black peppercorn
bay leaves

Muslin squares – you can get them from places like Lakeland & some string.
In preserves, wrap whichever combination of spices you want to use in a muslin square and tie into a small package. You can use a combination of the larger spices such as cinnamon sticks, star anise, cardamon pods when poaching fruits in syrup or add directly into casseroles – the go particularly well with lamb or beef.