In the first experiment, I created a butter mixture with a random flavor and spread it on two pieces of bread, which I ate and rated.
To create the butter mixture with a random flavor, I took 1/2 stick of butter and heated it in a microwave until it was soft. Then I randomly selected four of the 11 Penzeys spice blends and mixed 1/2 tsp of each into the butter.
For each trial, I spread a thin layer of the butter on two pieces of the bread, which was at room temperature. I ate them in a minute or so. I rated how good they tasted on a scale where
90 = very good
80 = quite good
75 = good
70 = somewhat good
60 = slightly good
50 = neutral
40 = slightly bad
I’ve used this scale to rate food dozens of times. Sometimes the rating changes with successive tastes; if so, the assigned rating is the maximum.
After eating the bread I waited at least an hour before eating anything else or brushing my teeth in order to to eliminate interference from other smells.
I did no more than one trial per day. On most days I did a trial.
To find other posts in this series, use the Calorie Learning category.
Have you considered extracts for another set of flavors? You would be amazed at the number of different extract flavors they sell at cake-decorating stores.
I do have about 20 flavor extracts. Good point, maybe I should consider using them in some experiments like this.