LIVE LIFE WITH A LITTLE SPICE…
There are dozens of spices in the aisle of the grocery store. But which of them do you really need? To help you navigate the spice aisle, I created a list with just the twelve spices you need in your kitchen to make your dishes sing.
THE TWELVE SPICES YOU NEED IN YOUR KITCHEN
BLACK PEPPER
Yes, freshly ground pepper really does taste better. Therefore buy some peppercorns that come with a built-in grinder which can be refilled repeatedly, by the way, and play restaurant waiter at home.
CAYENNE PEPPER
Some say this hot, spicy pepper can help your body detox. And maybe that is true. However, Master Cleanse aficionados aren’t the only ones who benefit from this staple, so do lovers of barbecue rubs and veggie dishes with a kick.
CHILI POWDER
Sure, you could mix up your own blend of dried chilies, cumin, coriander, and oregano before the next Super Bowl party. Or you could just buy a jar.
GROUND CINNAMON
This aromatic staple adds warmth to cookies and cakes and earthiness to stews.
GROUND CUMIN
A mellow, intensely flavorful spice, ground from a small seed. It is delicious, for instance in Mexican, Middle Eastern, and Indian cooking, especially curries.
CURRY POWDER
Up to 20 spices, including coriander, cumin, and turmeric, can make up this popular Indian blend. Look for a Madras variety, which brings the heat.
GROUND GINGER
This spice has certainly a more intense and astringent taste than fresh ginger.
KOSHER SALT
Forget the salt from the shaker. This is your go-to for seasoning everything from chicken to salad dressing. However, it is coarser than regular table salt, which makes it easier to pinch and sprinkle, and it dissolves fast.
WHOLE NUTMEG
A warm, delicate spice frequently used in savory winter concoctions like roasted squash, spinach casserole, and baked goods. Use a micro grinder to grate it as needed.
DRIED OREGANO
A member of the mint family, this robust herb adds a wallop of flavor to everything from spaghetti with marinara sauce to pizza to grilled tilapia.
CRUSHED RED PEPPER
Use these flakes of crushed red chilies sparingly to spice up pasta and stir-fries and to add zing to pizza.
SEA SALT
These big, flaky crystals should be a final touch on just-cooked foods. Take a pinch and crush the crystals between your fingertips over vegetables, fish, or warm chocolate chip cookies.
