When you reach the aisle with the spices, there are so many to choose from! What spices should be a staple in your kitchen?
Overall, this can be a really intimidating experience when you first live on your own. Up until I moved away from home, this was something that I didn't have to think about. My mom already had all the basic spices (and so much more) that we needed to be able to freely cook any recipe.
When I moved away to college, I slowly collected some of the spices that I would use. I started with salt and pepper, and worked my way up to have a little collection. That collection came with time as I learned what spices I enjoyed cooking with.
Some may think that there is a list of spices that everyone should have, but there is no right or wrong answer when buying spices, it is all up to your preference. Spices can be used to add flavor, add aromatics, or change the color of your dish. With that said, here are my favorite spices we use in the kitchen:
1. Cinnamon
Can be added to recipes from pumpkin pie, to beef brisket, to a piece of toast in the morning. It also can be used when baking.
You may not consider this as a spice, but it is often used the same way as spices are, and so I think it counts.
What better way to keep the vampires away? Garlic has a strong flavor, and can add more flavor to any dish.
4. Onion powder
Sometimes, when I don’t have time to chop up an onion, I use onion powder. Guilty...
5. Kosher salt
The larger grains of salt are so much easier to pick up when cooking. My mom always has a little dish of Kosher salt right next to her stove and it was so easy and accessible that way.
6. Cumin
Don’t ask why I like it, but since my mom likes this spice, I use this spice as well. I like it in just about every soup, meat dish, etc. It’s great for simple, or complex recipes.
7. Oregano
I think oregano goes well with any Italian cuisine, and if you know me, you know I love Italian foods, and like fresh tasting spices.
8. Basil
Another spice I like to use, because again, I love Italian dishes
A great blend of different spices and can be used in just about everything.
More favorites:
My husband and I love to look at spices at the store and try new ones. We enjoy smelling different spices and see what we can create. My husband and I recently bought "Trail Dust" by Western Style, an all purpose seasoning, this last week and are so excited to try it.
Other tips:
Spices can have a long shelf life if they are taken care of, up to 2 to 3 years if stored properly. Make sure to store them in a dark area. If that is not possible, then make sure they are out of direct sunlight. Old spices won’t necessarily make you sick, but they will eventually lose flavor.
When using spices, make sure to not pour them directly out of their container into the dish. Pour it out into your hand, or into a measuring spoon, then pour that into your dish so you can control how much you are adding to the dish.
Again, spices are a personal preference. If I like the smell of the spice, I typically like the flavor. Have fun with trying new ones and coming up with new dishes!
-- Kaity
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