October 30      #619             THE ESSENTIAL HERBS AND SPICES

Last week we talked about how to set up your kitchen if you're just starting out in life.  This week, we'd like to talk about how to spice up your cooking…literally.  About once a year we clean out our spice cabinet, and it gives us a chance to ponder which spices we really need.  Here's a list of assorted herbs and spices we wouldn't want to be with out.
Salt (regular and kosher) and black pepper (some ground, some in peppercorns)
White pepper
Cayenne pepper
Cumin
Fennel
Oregano
Rosemary (intact leaves, not ground)
Ginger
Nutmeg
Cinamon
Turmeric or Hungarian Paprika

Best acquired fresh, or picked from an herb garden:
Parsley
Cilantro
Dill
Mint
Basil
Thyme
Tarragon

Nice to have:
Sage
Cardamom (expensive)
Saffron (very expensive)
Coriander
Allspice
Mace
Cloves
Fenugreek
Star anise
Lemongrass

The classic blends:
Chinese Five Spice
Herbes de Provence
Fines Herbes
Old Bay

Your favorite steak seasoning

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