Clockwork Spice
March 18, 2025
Fresh Herb and Spice Mix Recipe Guide
This Fresh Herb and Spice Mix combines aromatic herbs, citrusy brightness, and a touch of smoky sweetness. It’s perfect for enhancing meats, vegetables, sauces, and even homemade spreads.
Blend Recipe:
- Basil Leaves:
- Cilantro Leaves:
- Coriander Seeds:
- Garlic Slices (Optional):
- Lemon Peel Granules:
- Marjoram Leaves:
- Roasted Red Bell Pepper (Diced):
- Roasted Green Bell Pepper (Diced):
- Thyme (Whole):
- White Peppercorn:

Pairings for the Blend
- Proteins: Chicken, fish (salmon, cod), pork, and tofu.
- Vegetables: Zucchini, carrots, bell peppers, potatoes, and mushrooms.
- Dairy & Grains: Cream cheese, butter, pasta, and rice.
Suggested Recipes
Herb-Crusted Grilled Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp Fresh Herb and Spice Mix (from recipe)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Coat chicken breasts evenly with olive oil.
- Sprinkle 1 tbsp of the blend on each piece, pressing gently to adhere.
- Preheat grill to medium heat.
- Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C).
- Serve with roasted vegetables or a green salad.
Citrus-Spiced Roasted Vegetables
Ingredients:
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp Fresh Herb and Spice Mix (from recipe)
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss vegetables with olive oil, spice blend, salt, and pepper.
- Spread vegetables on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Drizzle with lemon juice before serving.
Savory Herb Butter
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tsp Fresh Herb and Spice Mix (from recipe)
- 1 tsp lemon juice (optional)
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter and the spice blend.
- Add lemon juice for extra brightness if desired.
- Mix well until fully incorporated.
- Transfer to parchment paper, roll into a log, and refrigerate until firm.
- Use as a spread for bread, a topping for baked potatoes, or a finishing touch on grilled steaks.

Recent Post

June 13, 2025
🌟 Flavor Profile: Smoky, Earthy, Herbal with a touch of Desert Sweetness Balanced, rooted, and complex—this blend offers immediate warmth followed by a lingering depth. It suits both wild and refined palates, delivering a tasting experience as strategic and satisfying as a round at Scarecrow.

May 29, 2025
Introduction: Welcome to the Certificate of Essence—a unique and innovative approach to capturing the true essence of a place through the art of spice blending. At the heart of this process lies our proprietary Personaware™ technology, which enables us to represent the essence of the Wagon Wheel Bar & Grill in a digital form, with color and flavor as the mediators. This document serves as proof that the blends on your tables are not just seasonings—they are uniquely crafted to enhance the dining experience at the Wagon Wheel. Personaware™ is a process where Artificial Intelligence and culinary artistry come together. By understanding everything that makes the Wagon Wheel special, we’ve created two distinct spice blends that reflect the warmth, tradition, and boldness that define this beloved local establishment .

May 27, 2025
🧠Ingredients & Their Culinary Magic Lavender (Toasted) – The Floral Whisper: Offers a calming, aromatic overtone that evokes the river breeze and vineyard bloom. Coriander Seed – The Citrus Note: Adds subtle earthiness with a light zest, echoing sun-soaked vines. Dill Weed – The Garden Spark: A crisp, bright green note for freshness and open-air clarity. Cinnamon (Saigon) – The Warm Embrace: Comforting, sweet spice that deepens the blend’s harmony. Fennel Seed – The Elegant Sweetness: Licorice-toned balance for savory or sweet pairings. Black Pepper (Ground) – The Structured Flame: Classic heat with a clean, earthy edge. Sweet Smoked Paprika – The Embered Mystery: Smoldering warmth that ties every note together. Sea Salt: Supports both floral and savory notes without overwhelming the character. 🌿 Flavor Profile Earthy, floral, and grounded with a subtle sweetness and warm spice. Balances tranquility with creative depth—mirroring the riverside landscape and timeless craft of winemaking.

May 27, 2025
🌿 Ingredients and Essence Mapping for Food Pairings Sea Salt – The Harmonizer: Grounds the flavors with cohesion and balance. (Perfect for: Pork ribs, roasted potatoes) Raw Sugar – The Charmer: Adds sweet caramelization and contrast. (Ideal in BBQ sauce glazes or rubbed on grilled chicken) Onion – The Foundation: Deep, savory base for complexity. (Pairs beautifully with baked beans and slow-cooked meats) Coriander – The Bright Lift: Offers citrusy warmth. (Excellent with grilled vegetables or pulled pork) Garlic – The Bold Spirit: Essential savoriness and backbone. (Complements burgers, brisket, and marinades) Ginger – The Spark: Bright and spicy, adds lift. (Great in rubs for lamb or chicken thighs) Black Pepper – The Kick: Adds sharp depth and warmth. (Enhances any red meat or BBQ sauce) Allspice, Cloves, Nutmeg, Cinnamon – The Echoes of Old: These warming spices add layers of nostalgic depth. (Best in ribs, rubs for winter roasts, and bean stews) Thyme, Oregano, Sage, Rosemary – The Earthbound Mystics: Herbal notes for grounding and green touch. (Essential with pork or hearty mushrooms) Sweet Smoked Paprika, Roasted Red Bell Pepper, Hickory Smoked Sea Salt – The Smoke Spirits: Smoky and sweet, echoing wood-fired feasts. (Best used in grilling, especially pork, brisket, or smoked tofu) Toasted Cumin, Red Chili Pepper, Chili Powder – The Firekeepers: Add heat and depth. (Delicious in BBQ sauces or dry rubs for ribs and wings)

June 13, 2025
🌟 Flavor Profile: Smoky, Earthy, Herbal with a touch of Desert Sweetness Balanced, rooted, and complex—this blend offers immediate warmth followed by a lingering depth. It suits both wild and refined palates, delivering a tasting experience as strategic and satisfying as a round at Scarecrow.

May 29, 2025
Introduction: Welcome to the Certificate of Essence—a unique and innovative approach to capturing the true essence of a place through the art of spice blending. At the heart of this process lies our proprietary Personaware™ technology, which enables us to represent the essence of the Wagon Wheel Bar & Grill in a digital form, with color and flavor as the mediators. This document serves as proof that the blends on your tables are not just seasonings—they are uniquely crafted to enhance the dining experience at the Wagon Wheel. Personaware™ is a process where Artificial Intelligence and culinary artistry come together. By understanding everything that makes the Wagon Wheel special, we’ve created two distinct spice blends that reflect the warmth, tradition, and boldness that define this beloved local establishment .

May 27, 2025
🧠Ingredients & Their Culinary Magic Lavender (Toasted) – The Floral Whisper: Offers a calming, aromatic overtone that evokes the river breeze and vineyard bloom. Coriander Seed – The Citrus Note: Adds subtle earthiness with a light zest, echoing sun-soaked vines. Dill Weed – The Garden Spark: A crisp, bright green note for freshness and open-air clarity. Cinnamon (Saigon) – The Warm Embrace: Comforting, sweet spice that deepens the blend’s harmony. Fennel Seed – The Elegant Sweetness: Licorice-toned balance for savory or sweet pairings. Black Pepper (Ground) – The Structured Flame: Classic heat with a clean, earthy edge. Sweet Smoked Paprika – The Embered Mystery: Smoldering warmth that ties every note together. Sea Salt: Supports both floral and savory notes without overwhelming the character. 🌿 Flavor Profile Earthy, floral, and grounded with a subtle sweetness and warm spice. Balances tranquility with creative depth—mirroring the riverside landscape and timeless craft of winemaking.

May 27, 2025
🌿 Ingredients and Essence Mapping for Food Pairings Sea Salt – The Harmonizer: Grounds the flavors with cohesion and balance. (Perfect for: Pork ribs, roasted potatoes) Raw Sugar – The Charmer: Adds sweet caramelization and contrast. (Ideal in BBQ sauce glazes or rubbed on grilled chicken) Onion – The Foundation: Deep, savory base for complexity. (Pairs beautifully with baked beans and slow-cooked meats) Coriander – The Bright Lift: Offers citrusy warmth. (Excellent with grilled vegetables or pulled pork) Garlic – The Bold Spirit: Essential savoriness and backbone. (Complements burgers, brisket, and marinades) Ginger – The Spark: Bright and spicy, adds lift. (Great in rubs for lamb or chicken thighs) Black Pepper – The Kick: Adds sharp depth and warmth. (Enhances any red meat or BBQ sauce) Allspice, Cloves, Nutmeg, Cinnamon – The Echoes of Old: These warming spices add layers of nostalgic depth. (Best in ribs, rubs for winter roasts, and bean stews) Thyme, Oregano, Sage, Rosemary – The Earthbound Mystics: Herbal notes for grounding and green touch. (Essential with pork or hearty mushrooms) Sweet Smoked Paprika, Roasted Red Bell Pepper, Hickory Smoked Sea Salt – The Smoke Spirits: Smoky and sweet, echoing wood-fired feasts. (Best used in grilling, especially pork, brisket, or smoked tofu) Toasted Cumin, Red Chili Pepper, Chili Powder – The Firekeepers: Add heat and depth. (Delicious in BBQ sauces or dry rubs for ribs and wings)

May 10, 2025
🌿 Ingredients and Essence Mapping for Food Pairings Spanish Paprika – Warmth and foundation; balances sweetness and spice Ground Mustard Seed – A spark of boldness; adds sharp undertone to fatty cuts Cumin – Deep, smoky richness; signature BBQ earthiness Oregano – Aromatic lift; herbal sharpness for pork bark Brown Sugar – Caramelization wizard; builds crust and sweetness Red Chili Flakes – Heartbeat of heat; low-smolder warmth Garlic – Universal backbone; rounds out the base Onion – Savory bloom; enhances meat umami Kosher Salt - Lifts and expands the flavors Best paired with: Brisket, pork shoulder, ribs, beef short ribs, and even roasted vegetables.

May 10, 2025
🌿 Ingredients and Essence Mapping for Food Pairings Ground Fennel – Bright anise spark; brings aromatic sharpness Ground Rosemary – Bold herbal notes; piercing flavor for white meats Ground Sage – Soft and savory; grounding force in rub Ground Thyme – Layered and aromatic; culinary glue of the mix Sugar – Maillard builder; mild caramel edge Granulated Garlic – Universal base; adds savor Granulated Onion – Adds depth; smooth finish Kosher Salt – Flavor conductor Best paired with: Chicken, pork, turkey, grilled white fish, and creamy dressings.