Top Shelf Secret pays homage to its legendary predecessor, ras el hanout, an ancient North African spice blend whose name translates to "head of the shop" or "top shelf." There is no single standardized recipe for ras el hanout, and the blend can incorporate anywhere from ten to over thirty individual spices. Historically, merchants would create their signature blends, claiming theirs as the best in the market, made with their "top shelf" spices. Today, ras el hanout symbolizes the rich flavor and depth of North African cuisine and culture, giving dishes a unique and unmistakable identity, and Top Shelf Secret takes that tradition and gives it a modern twist for modern palates.
 
Available December through February.
 
Ingredients: Black Pepper, Allspice, Coriander, Cumin, Kosher Salt, Ginger, Cayenne, Ceylon Cinnamon, and Clove
 
Read more about Top Shelf Secret in my Meet the Spice Blend series here.