Cooking can be an adventure and often, half the fun is experimenting with different spices. While new recipes might require a little extra time in the spice aisle at the supermarket, here are the Top 10 spices that should always fill your spice rack.
Salt & Pepper – Really, these should be counted as one spice because they go together like PB&J, cheese and crackers, mustard and ketchup…
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Cayenne – Great for adding heat and color to just about any dish, cayenne pepper tastes great on everything. Try it on sautéed veggies or give your hot chocolate a Mexican makeover by adding a dash of cayenne. Use cayenne sparingly though because it is HOT.
Nutmeg – This earthy spice is great in sweet and savory dishes. A must for homemade macaroni and cheese or a cauliflower gratin, banana and zucchini breads even mushrooms and asparagus, this spice adds unbelievable depth to any dish.
Cinnamon – This baking staple can be used in everything from cinnamon toast, tea, sprinkled on top of hot cereal and much, much more. For a meal with Middle Eastern flair, try sautéing lamb with eggplant, raisins and cinnamon sticks.
Paprika – Depending on the country, this spice can range from sweet to spicy and is primarily used to season and color rices, stews and soups. If you’re feeling so adventurous, use it in the preparation of homemade sausage.
Tarragon – The foundation of French cuisine, tarragon is the base for several classic sauces including béarnaise and tartare. Use tarragon to add flavor to chicken, eggs, even lasagna.
Rosemary – While traditionally associated with Mediterranean food, this woody spice can also be used in barbecuing.
Oregano – An indispensible spice in Turkish, Greek, Portuguese, Spanish, Latin American and Italian cuisine, oregano is the must-have ingredient in tomato sauces and pairs well with capers and olives.
Cumin – An aromatic spice with a unique, bitter flavor, cumin goes best with beans, chicken, couscous, curry, fish, lentils, peas, pork, potatoes, soups and stews
Garlic – While technically not a spice, always keep fresh garlic on hand to liven up just about any dish you make. Rub it on baked bread, sauté it with vegetables, add some to your pizza, use it to create a variety of sauces and aiolis.
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