What to Do with Expired Spices

Different examples of expired spices lined up in rows on a marble countertop.

While old spices won’t make you sick, they do lose their flavor and potency over time which can make your recipes fall flat. But don’t be too quick to throw them away. There are still some surprisingly useful (and fun) ways to put those expired spices to work.

Homemade Pistachio Cream Recipe

Ingredients
  • 1 1/4 c. raw, unsalted pistachios, shelled
  • 3 tbsp. unsalted butter
  • 3/4 c. whole milk or cream, divided
  • 4 oz. high-quality white chocolate, chopped
  • 2 tbsp. powdered sugar
  • 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
Instructions
  1. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add pistachios and boil for 3 minutes. Drain and transfer to a clean kitchen towel.
  2. Rub pistachios in the towel to remove the skins. Discard the skins and let the pistachios dry completely.
  3. Melt butter with 1/4 c. milk until hot. Add white chocolate and stir until fully melted.
  4. Add pistachios to a blender with powdered sugar and salt. Pour in the melted chocolate mixture.
  5. Blend until a paste forms. Slowly add remaining milk, a few tablespoons at a time, until smooth and creamy.
  6. Blend on high for 30-60 seconds, scraping sides as needed.
  7. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Homemade Whipped Topping Recipe

Ingredients
  • 1 c. heavy whipping cream
  • 3 tbsp. sugar
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
Instructions
  1. Whip heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla with a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form, about 3-4 minutes.