Category Archives: Matt Armendariz

MattArmendariz

Pistachio and Saigon Cinnamon Custard

This recipe is based on a dessert from Cookshop, located in New York City’s Chelsea neighborhood. It’s a wonderful restaurant that has received accolades for their American cuisine with a nod to Mediterranean flavors and preparation. While dining with the … Continue reading

Posted in Cinnamon, Matt Armendariz, Vanilla Extract | 3 Comments
MattArmendariz

Warm Up With Vanilla and White Chocolate Cocoa

I’m currently writing this very, very fast. Why so fast? Because here in Southern California, we’re having a slight spell of chilly weather and rain, something we don’t see too much of. And the current weather makes this recipe all … Continue reading

Posted in Hot Chocolate, Matt Armendariz, Vanilla Extract | 2 Comments
MattArmendariz

Chinese Five Spice Pork Tenderloin

I have a penchant for combining sweet & savory, and one of the best combinations I’ve found involves pork with fruit and spices. This recipe for Chinese Five Spice Pork Tenderloin with a Triple Spiced Persimmon Chutney is rustic yet … Continue reading

Posted in Matt Armendariz, Pork tenderloin | 2 Comments
MattArmendariz

Drum roll please…

Spiced Vanilla Caramel Apple Pork Lollipops with Pecan Gremolata.  Tropical Vanilla-Coconut Banana Split. Croissant French Toast with Vanilla Orange Butter. These are but a few of the 10 finalists when we asked to see your unique recipes that showcased the … Continue reading

Posted in Matt Armendariz, Vanilla Challenge, Vanilla Extract | 1 Comment
MattArmendariz

Paprika Chips with Roasted Garlic-Cumin Aioli

If I had to count one of my guiltiest of pleasures it would be fries, hands down. It’s not that anything enjoyed in moderation is a problem, but when it comes to deep frying potatoes, I usually cannot control myself. … Continue reading

Posted in Matt Armendariz, Paprika Chips | 2 Comments
MattArmendariz

From the Cookie Jar: Vanilla Baci di Dama

With a translation of “lady kisses,” these vanilla-infused sandwich cookies are rich, sweet and satisfying. I’ve opted for a vanilla cream cheese filling that contrasts marvelously with the crunch of the almond cookie. It’s a marriage of flavors made in … Continue reading

Posted in Baci di Dama, Matt Armendariz, Vanilla Extract | 1 Comment
MattArmendariz

Buñuelos – A Tasty Holiday Treat!

Growing up in a Latin-American household, there was probably no tradition I looked more forward to than Christmas. It was a month of food and celebration, merging American traditions with my grandparent’s Mexican heritage. There were tamales made during the … Continue reading

Posted in Bunuelos, Matt Armendariz | 1 Comment
MattArmendariz

Vanilla Challenge

I’m no good at secrets, nor sitting on exciting news, so I’m quite excited to announce this contest from Spice Islands Trading Company. It’s called the Flavor Explorer: Vanilla Challenge™ and yes, you guessed it, it involves Spice Islands® All … Continue reading

Posted in Matt Armendariz, Vanilla Challenge, Vanilla Extract | Leave a comment
MattArmendariz

Let’s explore!

Hello! I’m thrilled and excited to be blogging and sharing all this Spice Islands® goodness here on Spice Island’s Flavor Explorer™ blog. I guess you could say I’m a bit of a flavor explorer myself, traveling and eating my way … Continue reading

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