Allspice

when you review many things from the late 1960's and early 1970's

1974 Esquire questioning Chefs what's in KFC chicken this was done at separate locations neither of the chefs knew who the others were tasting and reviewing the chicken as a impartial test.

When you review the items they picked independently it does have the Traits of Allspice (Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Clove).

Allspice was a spice CHS used in many other recipes also. CHS BBQ sauce use a Heavy amount of Allspice as a guide

What needs to be understood THINK 1935 Time period. when CHS was really starting to shake and bake his 11 Spice and Herbs He openly stated that in 1932 he started making chicken in Corbin and started adding different spice and herbs.

In 1935 there was NO Amazon or Costco. The chefs and Cooks had to rely upon what spices they had in there Pantry. So if they never had a large selection they relied on what they had and then even made them preferred spices in cooking and baking both. CHS was different then many and tested different items BUT he also stuck to Time tested items which he admits. HE SAID he wanted to add another item the Cumberland Boat trip story and he was hesitant to mess with it. That tells ANYONE that he stuck to old pattern for the most part so if he knew a taste and flavor he most likely did not change it for his fear to mess with the customer public as he called them and the expectation. He even said he tried a New Baking Powder 1 time and it screwed up the break he made and HE never used that brand again even though he admitted he might have added the wrong amount.



Janes Beard Cayenne Pepper, Cinnamon, MSG
Roy Andries Rosemary, Savory, Tarragon, Thyme, Pepper, Turmeric, Cinnamon, Salt, MSG, Honey or Brown Sugar, Almond, Mint
Waverly Root Flour, Milk, Egg, Salt, Pepper, Celery Salt, Caraway, Chili Powder, Horseradish
James Vilas Cinnamon, Cloves, Sugar




Allspice appears to be something CHS liked in cooking or he would NOT have added 3 Cups into BBQ Sauce.

add your feed back

I'm starting to think more and more that Allspice was a substitute for other ingredients. Maybe temporary, maybe regional, maybe even a change during efforts to franchise?

It's a hard call. I have raised it and didn't like it. I am going to lower it next cook. Then circle back

Thanks!  Excellent to hear that.  With this knowledge it seems that it could indeed have been one of the "eleven" from the onset of the 'fixed/settled' original recipe.

The flavors associated with Allspice are generally referred to as Clove, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and perhaps also a wee bit of Pepper.  Would the original KFC have used these individually instead of using Allspice?  And if one uses Allspice, is there still any need for extra Clove, Cinnamon, or Nutmeg?

Allspice vs. it's associated flavor characteristics added individually seems like a great way to keep the H&S count at eleven.