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Herbs & Spices

If you are just setting up your household, you'll need to keep some basic herbs and spices on hand to be prepared for any recipe. Although some of those spice racks may be attractive and handy cute, it is best to store all herbs and spices in a cool, dark place away from heat and light sources. You can purchase inexpensive turntables to fit inside your cabinet for easier accessibility. There are many, many more types of herbs and spices, and I have a second turntable of the unusual ones, but unless you plan to do a lot of cooking or have a preference for an unusual item, don’t purchase it until you need it.

Grocery stores don’t necessarily have the freshest and best herbs and spices.  Check out the web for specialty markets such as American Spice or Penzeys.  

Herbs and spices will definitely lose their potency with age, and seeds such as poppy and sesame will get rancid. Most whole herbs and spices will retain their flavor about one year, while dried and ground versions are best used within six months. Dried herbs should be crushed between the palms of your hands to release their flavor before adding to recipes. As a general rule for most herbs, one teaspoon of dried herb can be substituted for one tablespoon of chopped fresh herb. This is a general guide. Consider your own tastes when you select your pantry basics.

Hint:  Herbs and spices should be added toward the end of the stovetop cooking cycle if you are making things that take a long time such as spaghetti sauce or stew.  However, a rule of thumb is to usually follow the recipe and let experience be your guide.

·         Allspice, ground and whole

·         Anise

·         Basil, dried

·         Bay leaves

·         Cardamom powder

·         Caraway seed

·         Cayenne powder

·         Celery seed or salt

·         Chili powder

·         Chives, dried

·         Cinnamon, ground and sticks

·         Cloves, ground and whole

·         Coriander, ground

·         Cream of tartar

·         Cumin, ground

·         Curry powder

·         Dill weed, seed

·         Fennel seeds

·         Five-spice powder

·         Garlic powder

·         Ginger, ground

·         Italian seasoning

·         Lemon pepper

·         Marjoram, dried

·         Mint, dried

·         Mustard, dried ground & seed

·         Nutmeg, ground or whole

·         Onion powder, flakes

·         Oregano, dried

·         Paprika, Hungarian sweet

·         Parsley flakes

·         Pepper, cayenne & dried red flakes

·         Peppercorns; ground or whole, black & white

·         Pickling spice

·         Poppy seeds

·         Poultry seasoning

·         Rosemary, dried

·         Saffron

·         Sage, dried

·         Salt; table, kosher & sea

·         Sesame seeds, toasted or plain

·         Tarragon, dried

·         Thyme, dried

·         Turmeric

·         Vanilla extract

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