Poudre Forte (pronounced Poo-dra Fort) translates as "Strong Powder". During the Middle ages, Spices were sold thru Merchants within a town market or Apothecary.. Many of them had specific recipes (very much like our own grocery store premixed blends) that brought many customers from across varied locations just for their recipes! This one is was translated from a very special recipe book called "Livre Forte", written around 1555!
During that time, getting spices was for the rich and elite. Think of it, a lemon or orange cost as much as a plane ticket, and 12 whole cloves were as much as a good piece of gold jewelry! Yikes!
Spices were imported and very much in demand!
This blend was called "the strong powder" because of it's use of pepper, both regular black and long pepper. Pungent Galangal and spicy ginger added a bite while Cinnamon, cardamom and nutmeg added the mellowness that brought the whole complex flavors together nicely.
It was used in Fruited meat dishes, in dishes with carrots or onions. It was a meat rub as well as a stew starter. It was great with squash and many plain or mild flavored vegetables.
I like sprinkling a little in with my chili just to mellow out the heat a touch, or on my butternut squash baked. Lovely flavor.
During that time, getting spices was for the rich and elite. Think of it, a lemon or orange cost as much as a plane ticket, and 12 whole cloves were as much as a good piece of gold jewelry! Yikes!
Spices were imported and very much in demand!
This blend was called "the strong powder" because of it's use of pepper, both regular black and long pepper. Pungent Galangal and spicy ginger added a bite while Cinnamon, cardamom and nutmeg added the mellowness that brought the whole complex flavors together nicely.
It was used in Fruited meat dishes, in dishes with carrots or onions. It was a meat rub as well as a stew starter. It was great with squash and many plain or mild flavored vegetables.
I like sprinkling a little in with my chili just to mellow out the heat a touch, or on my butternut squash baked. Lovely flavor.
