Tusker Project fame Principal Hellen Mtawale last Friday launched food spices at the Stanley Hotel.

The 10 different spices are to be used by the Hotel this festive season. Hellen was accompanied by radio queen Cess Mutungi and Sarova Stanley GM David Gachuru.

"This festive season, Sarova Stanley takes a different look into menus and venture into spices used in food flavours. Godfrey Ouda, Sarova Stanley's executive chef, has lined up an array of spices for each day and will take your palate to task with the 10 different flavors over the Christmas period," Gachuru said.

He said that for centuries herbs and spices have been an integral part of many of the world's great cuisines and it is hard to imagine what cooking would be like without the unique flavors provided by herbs, spices and the many seasonings available.

"We are happy to have you Cess and Hellen in the house. I hope you will take home with you the skills in making of spices leanerd here." Gachuru said. Cess and Hellen officially unveiled a real life sized gingerbread house that guest will have to bite it while entering the Hotel.

The gingerbread is a tradition in the Hotel and the first ever recorded mention of gingerbread being baked dates back to 1793. However, it was probably made earlier, as ginger was stocked in high street businesses from the 1640s. Gingerbread became widely available in the 18th century.