There are a lot of delicious ways to celebrate Valentine's Day. Whether you whip up some traditional recipes and give them an elevated twist or create a one of a kind charcuterie board, consider spicing up your Valentine's Day recipes this year by adding these five warming spices to all of your V-Day culinary creations. 

 

Cardamom

A staple in most Indian cuisine, cardamom is an aromatic warming spice. Made from the seeds of several plants, cardamom pairs perfectly with other flavors like cinnamon, chocolate, and cloves. End Valentine's Day dinner with a sweet treat like a cardamom hot chocolate or a chai latte. 

Cinnamon

With a mildly sweet flavor, cinnamon is a great addition to baked goods like coffee cakes, cookies, and crumbles. Cinnamon can also be paired with hearty and savory dishes like beef, curries, oatmeal, pork, and stews. Start Valentine's Day with this recipe for Cinnamon Raisin Rolls or get creative in the kitchen and add cinnamon to your Valentine's Day dinner dishes. Winter vegetables like roasted acorn squash are delicious with a dash of cinnamon. 

Cumin

Cumin is a spice that can be used any time of year to add a bold and distinct taste to recipes. Cumin has a warm, earthy flavor that is nutty and slightly spicy. With an aroma that is both sweet and slightly bitter, cumin spice is best used in hearty and savory dishes. Recipes that call for cumin include baked beans, BBQ sauces, chilis, fish recipes, marinades, meat, rubs, roasted vegetables, sauces, soups, and stews. 

Ginger

Ginger is a flowering plant whose root is used as a popular fall and winter spice. This spice possesses a pungent flavor, which adds zest to both sweet and savory dishes. Easily incorporated into baked goods like gingerbread, ginger can also be added to curries, hot teas, seafood, and stir-fries. Looking for ginger recipes for Valentine's Day? Try these Ginger Lemon Bars.

Saffron

Saffron, also known as the Queen of All Spices, is harvested from the stigma of the Crocus flower and has a sweet, floral taste. It's earthy and has a complex flavor and pairs well with a variety of dishes including Crunchy Baked Saffron Rice. Saffron can even be used in some dessert recipes. 

Spice up Valentine's Day with these five warming spices to help keep you and your Valentine warm this year. Happy Valentine's Day!

Tag us @SimpleMills and show us your favorite warming spices to use for Valentine's Day.