Stephs Cheers and Jeers was provided the samples mentioned in this post in return for an unbiased review.
Piquant Post is a monthly subscription box that delivers fresh ground spices to your doorstep. Each month you will receive four spice blends from single region or country as well as four recipes that are chef developed and approved. You also have online access to recipes, ingredient substitutes, and alternative uses.
This months theme is Lebanon, I was really excited for this box because it blended Mediterranean flavors with Middle Eastern flavors. I love both those flavor profiles so I was really excited to see what recipes were sent with this month’s spices.
The spice blends that were sent in this months box were Spicy Mint, Provence Rose, Baharat(7 Spice) and Zaatar.
The Spice Mint contains Spearmint, Smoked Paprika, Cayenne, Cumin, and Coriander. The recipe card sent with this spice blend confused me at first, the recipe is Lebanese Moussaka and being from a Greek Family and having made and eaten Greek Moussaka before I was confused because it looked NOTHING like what I was used to. After reading the card it explains that Moussaka is an Arabic word referring to a cold vegetable stew. Lebanese Moussaka and Greek Moussaka are completely different and this dish is made using eggplant, onions, garlic, chickpeas, tomatoes, tomato paste and Spice Mint Blend while Greek Moussaka is made with ground lamb, eggplant, tomatoes, Bechamel Sauce and a crust.
I was SUPER excited to see that the Provence Rose blend was for Rosewater. As a Witch, I have used Rosewater for many uses including spell work, cosmetics and even cooking. Rosewater is SUPER easy to make at home and if you can make loose leaf tea you can make Rosewater. The recipe suggests adding it to Vanilla Ice Cream which is something I can vouch for and say its super tasty.
Baharat(7 Spice) contains Black Pepper, Allspice, Coriander, Cumin, Cinnamon, Cloves, Nutmeg and Smoked Paprika. Baharat is the Arabic word for Spices but it is also the name of a traditional spice blend used throughout Arab regions. There are many regional varieties of Barhara but this, of course, the Lebanese version to fit this months theme. Baharat is popularly used to season lamb, chicken, beef, fish, and stews. The recipe card included is for Lamb Baharat which is perfect for Ostara or Easter.
The last blend in this months box is Zaatar which contains Thyme, Sumac, Oregano, Marjoram and Sesame Seeds. Zaatar is a very versatile spice blend that packs plenty of flavor, it can be used in a range of dishes including meat dishes, vegetable dishes, stews, sauces, popcorn topper, pizza and even mixed with olive oil as a dipping oil for bread or pita. The recipe card included is for Zaatar Roasted Chicken which sounds amazing!
I LOVED this months box! All of the spice blends sent are spices that I couldn’t wait to use and my family seemed to really love the bold flavors.
You can subscribe to Piquant Post for $11.99 a month, $65.94 6 months prepay and $119.88 12 months prepay.