What is a good substitute for pumpkin pie spice in a pumpkin dip recipe?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding a suitable substitute for pumpkin pie spice in a pumpkin dip recipe. Participants explore various spice combinations and share personal preferences regarding the ingredients, focusing on the theory and application of flavoring in cooking.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks advice on what constitutes pumpkin pie spice and whether they can substitute it with more cinnamon and nutmeg.
  • Some participants suggest that pumpkin pie spice typically includes cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, but they do not specify proportions.
  • Another participant provides a specific recipe for a homemade pumpkin pie spice blend, including cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and nutmeg.
  • There is a suggestion to avoid using whole or crystallized ginger in the dip, advocating for powdered ginger instead.
  • One participant emphasizes the importance of using freshly grated nutmeg over pre-ground nutmeg for better flavor.
  • Several participants share their personal spice preferences, indicating variations in how they prepare pumpkin pie or dip, including omitting cloves or adjusting spice ratios.
  • Concerns are raised about the availability and cost of spices, with some participants discussing their experiences with purchasing spices in limited selections.
  • Participants discuss the challenges of preparing the dip without a hand mixer, suggesting alternative methods for softening cream cheese.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on a single substitute for pumpkin pie spice, as participants express differing opinions on the necessity and proportions of various spices. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to take.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention limitations in their spice selections and the varying availability of ingredients, which may affect their ability to follow specific recommendations.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in cooking, particularly those looking for alternatives in recipes or exploring flavor combinations in desserts.

  • #61
ZapperZ said:
I have Ibarra, but I didn't quite like the flavor (it already has the spices added to the chocolate rounds). Instead, I use Droste cocoa powder, which is basically Dutch chocolate (they make the best cocoa powder in my book). I'll challenge anyone on a taste test comparing Droste and, let's say, Hershey's cocoa powder. There's no comparison.

And yes, I have been known to put jalapenos in my brownies. Unfortunately, not many of my friends like it. But here's a secret. If you chop it up in small pieces and add it to a bread pudding recipe, these very same people will start licking the bowl! (Of course, the rum sauce that goes along with it may have something to do with this phenomenon).

Zz.

Yes, the feel of the Ibarra was a little weak and I typically use Ghirardelli cocoa for the real heady hot chocolate. I'll have to look around for the Droste. Am I right in assuming there is some sort of dairy in that rum sauce? It's hard to go wrong with hot dairy and liquor drizzled over...well... anything.
 
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  • #62
DocToxyn said:
Yes, the feel of the Ibarra was a little weak and I typically use Ghirardelli cocoa for the real heady hot chocolate. I'll have to look around for the Droste. Am I right in assuming there is some sort of dairy in that rum sauce? It's hard to go wrong with hot dairy and liquor drizzled over...well... anything.

Er.. do you really want to know? OK then... The rum sauce has melted butter, brown sugar, rum, and heavy cream. All the good stuff! I added a personal touch to the original recipe by adding pure vanilla extract to it (not the one dissolved in alcohol). That seems to make a difference.

Zz.
 
  • #63
enigma said:
Yep. A gourmet chef, I am not.
I can install a kitchen sink, wire up a light fixture, hang a picture (straight), build shelving, fix leaky bathtubs and toilets... oh... and design rockets.
Put me in the kitchen and I'm like a six year old.
That's okay, we're nominating Zz an DocToxyn to do the cooking at the next PF gathering! :biggrin: They're making me hungry!
 
  • #64
Oooh, I'm sitting here now with my hot cocoa with cinnamon and nutmeg. :biggrin: :smile: :!) Yummy! Now I know how you can survive Chicago winters. I've got my fireplace lit and my cocoa, and just yum.
 
  • #65
Moonbear said:
Oooh, I'm sitting here now with my hot cocoa with cinnamon and nutmeg. :biggrin: :smile: :!) Yummy! Now I know how you can survive Chicago winters. I've got my fireplace lit and my cocoa, and just yum.

See? I told you that nutmeg can make a difference...

Er.. Fireplace? It's that cold already? Speaking of which, I need to stock up on firewood before winter arrives...

Zz.
 
  • #66
There should be a cookie guru badge thing :P
 
  • #67
ZapperZ said:
See? I told you that nutmeg can make a difference...
Er.. Fireplace? It's that cold already? Speaking of which, I need to stock up on firewood before winter arrives...
Zz.
Nah, not really that cold yet...but it was a gloomy, slightly chilly day and a slightly chilly night. It's a gas fireplace (I know, it's cheating) so I can just turn it on for a little while, warm up the room and turn it off. I kind of like this, because it keeps me warm in the living room, but then my bedroom stays cool so I can pile on the blankets and sleep well. Sipping hot cocoa with the fireplace on and the lights dimmed...would seem very romantic if I had someone to snuggle up with.
 
  • #68
I actually had this dip before. It is quite good. i think i am going to make a pumpkin pie this weekend. I love making a pumpkin pie from a real pumpkin it tastes so much different than what you are used to.
 
  • #69
This has me craving pumpkin pie too. I don't have all the ingredients though...my recipe requires cream.
 
  • #70
Y'know, Moonbie, ever since we had this conversation, everytime I make my hot chocolate, I keep thinking of you. You have invaded my subconscious thingy. How'd you managed to do that?

But then again, everytime I make or have a pumpkin pie, I'd probably be thinking of enigma.

:)

Zz.
 
  • #71
ZapperZ said:
Y'know, Moonbie, ever since we had this conversation, everytime I make my hot chocolate, I keep thinking of you. You have invaded my subconscious thingy. How'd you managed to do that?
Talent. :biggrin: :smile:

But then again, everytime I make or have a pumpkin pie, I'd probably be thinking of enigma.
Well, if you had said that first, I might have had an interesting interpretation. :rolleyes:

Then again, last night, the group of guys I was hanging out with wanted to go out for dessert and/or coffee (well, apparently my friend lost a bet and owed them dessert), so we get to the place and as my friend and I were discussing the difficulty in deciding between chocolate cake and cheesecake (we decided she'd get the cheesecake and I'd get the chocolate and then we could share both), one asked, "Is cheesecake different from chocolate cake?" After we stopped laughing, I asked, "You don't cook, do you?" Enigma immediately popped into my mind as I was talking with this other guy who was totally clueless about the kitchen.
 

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