Variety is the spice of life and this statement’s meaning is no truer than in the place of it’s origin, the kitchen. If you don’t know much about seasoning it can be easy to get bored with the food that your cooking at home, but you don’t have to go out to restaurants to get those flavorful aromatic dishes that you crave so much. The best way to spice up your relationship with your food is to add a few extra ingredients to your pantry.
If you are unfamiliar with spices then using them can be a little daunting at first. It’s best to try them gradually, buying one or two new spices at a time rather than completing your collection in one purchase, just in case there are some you find you don’t particularly like. And while it may be cheaper to buy in bulk it is important to take into consideration how much you will actually use. Most recipes generally call for anywhere from 1/4 tsp to 2 tsp of spices and any spices that you don’t use after 6 months my loose their flavor.
To retain the flavor of your spices for as long as possible store them in airtight containers and place them in a cool dark place. While a cabinet of spices above your kitchen stove may look cute and convenient it is better for spices to be kept away from heat and moisture. There are many small turn tables and spice racks that will fit inside a pantry for easy access. The best way to tell whether your spices need to be replaced is by their color. A faded look means their flavor has most likely faded as well. If you are unsure about the color you can take a small amount of the spice and rub it between your hands to release the aroma. If you do not smell anything you know it’s time to restock your supply. Consider buying whole spices instead of pre-ground, as they tend to last twice as long. You will need to grind them yourself before use but you will be rewarded with a richer flavor. This may seem like a lot of extra work but there are a variety of pepper mills and pre-filled disposable spice grinders available for a quicker process than the standard mortar and pestle.
Spices are a wonderful addition to any dish, but there are certain spices better suited for certain dishes. Parsley and paprika adds a mild taste and visual appeal to a variety of soups, salads, meats, vegetables, potatoes and sauces, where as oregano, basil, and rosemary have more distinctive flavors and are best on rich dishes such as pastas, marinades, and ethnic meals. Cinnamon is best on sweet baked foods and desserts or even sprinkled in coffee. These are just some of the basic spices that can be found in the residential kitchen. There is a vast range of spices and herbs and even seasonings and rubs available for your culinary experimenting. Check out Olde Thompson for a full selection of gourmet quality spices and spice products.
