6 Condiments & Seasonings to Savour
1. Nutmeg | The Fragrant Holiday Touch
Origin & History
Nutmeg is native to the Banda Islands of Indonesia and was once so coveted that it led to the infamous Nutmeg Wars of the 17th century. The Dutch traded Manhattan (now New York) for Run – an island rich in nutmeg – with the British. Chef Emmanuel has a deep fondness for nutmeg as it played a prominent role in the dishes of his childhood. He vividly remembers nutmeg as a key ingredient in his family’s recipes, especially when making mashed potatoes. His dad even referred to nutmeg as “natural MSG”, highlighting its ability to enhance the flavours of dishes
Local Sourcing
Sourced from the nutmeg tree, this spice is readily available in ground form or as whole seeds at local stores like Spice World in Little India.
Festive Recipe
Nutmeg adds a warm depth to eggnog and is also a key ingredient in holiday spice mixes for baking gingerbread cookies.
2. Clove | The Piquant Holiday Bud
Origin & History
Cloves, the flower buds of the clove tree are native to the Maluku Islands in Indonesia. They played a major role in the global spice trade and were extremely valuable in Europe during the Middle Ages. A natural antioxidant, cloves are used in Chinese five-spice powder and Worcestershire sauce, adding depth and complexity to various dishes.
Local Sourcing
Cloves can be purchased in whole bud form or as a powder from Tekka Market or the spice section in major supermarkets, including Giant.
Festive Recipe
Their intense, spicy flavour makes cloves an integral spice for holiday ham glazes or studded into oranges for a fragrant holiday decor that doubles as a natural air freshener. Chef Emmanuel also loves to include cloves in his chai.
3. Star Anise | The Star Of Holiday Flavour
Origin & History
Star anise, with its distinctive star shape, hails from China and Vietnam and has been used in Chinese medicine and cooking for centuries. It is also the base of pastis, an anise-flavoured spirit that is probably the most iconic aperitif in the south of France. An interesting fact is that Swiss pharmaceutical company Roche used to buy 90% of star anise’s global production until 2012, which speaks to its perceived health benefit
Local Sourcing
This spice can be found in most supermarkets and the dried goods section of wet markets throughout Singapore.
Festive Recipe
Star anise is the secret ingredient in many holiday stews and braised dishes. It provides a licorice- like depth to the beloved five-spice powder, often used to season roast duck or pork belly.
4. Vanilla | The Essence Of Sweet Celebrations
Origin & History
The origin story of vanilla began in Mexico some 900 years ago – the Totonac are credited with being the first to cultivate it. When the Spanish arrived in the 15th century, they introduced vanilla to the rest of the world. Saint Pierre sources its vanilla from the volcanic island of Malekula in Vanuatu. This unique provenance adds a subtle smoky flavour to their vanilla, making it a delightful holiday condiment choice.
Local Sourcing
In Singapore, premium vanilla pods, paste or extract can be easily found in specialty stores like Phoon Huat or gourmet sections of leading supermarkets such as Cold Storage.
Festive Recipe
Vanilla is indispensable in classic holiday desserts like the rich and creamy Christmas custard, where its flavour provides.
5. Cinnamon | A Sweet And Woody Festive Aroma
Origin & History
Cinnamon has been warming the world since ancient Egypt, where it was valued in religious practices. This spice comes from the inner bark of trees from the genus Cinnamon and is recognised for its antioxidant, antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties. Although cinnamon is native to Singapore, Chef Emmanuel sources a variant from Sri Lanka as he prefers Ceylon cinnamon over cassia cinnamon due to its distinctive and nuanced flavour
Local Sourcing
Cinnamon sticks and powder are widely available across Singapore, from Mustafa Centre to the spice aisles in supermarkets like FairPrice.
Festive Recipe
Cinnamon stars in many holiday recipes, from the spicy kick in mulled wine to the comforting swirl in cinnamon rolls, desserts, and other baked items.
6. Honey | The Sweet Elixir Of Festive Delights
Origin & History
A versatile condiment, honey is widely used in culinary and medicinal applications and is treasured by civilisations across the globe – from the ancient Egyptians and Greeks to the Mayans and beyond. As with its vanilla, Saint Pierre sources its honey from the volcanic island of Malekula in Vanuatu.
Local Sourcing
In Singapore, you can find a wide variety of honey, both locally produced and imported. Local honey, often sourced from beekeepers across the island, offers a taste of Singapore’s unique flora. Additionally, you can explore specialty stores, farmers’ markets, and even online retailers to discover a diverse range of honey, including wildflower honey, manuka honey, and more. Chef Emmanuel has one important recommendation, and that is to purchase only pure honey and not cheaper versions with glucose or containing artificial flavours colouring. You’d be surprised, so please read the labels!
Festive Recipe
Honey plays a starring role in many festive recipes, lending its natural sweetness and depth of flavour to festive dishes. One delightful option is honey-roasted vegetables, where the honey’s sweetness complements the earthy flavours of root vegetables making them an ideal side dish for festive feasts. Chef Emmanuel also loves to play with honey in fermentation recipes. He fondly remembers receiving a small jar of Bourbon barrel- aged honey that was 20 years old.
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At Two Michelin-starred French restaurant Saint Pierre, Chef-Owner Emmanuel Stroobant’s thoughtful approach to mindful living is reflected in every dish, from vegetarian fine dining options to indulgent French cuisine classics. Nestled along Fullerton bay with a breathtaking view of Marina Bay Sands, the restaurant is ideal for special occasions or a refined French lunch with colleagues in Singapore.
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