MORE ABOUT SPICES & HERBS

SPICING UP  YOUR FOOD STORAGE

START WITH:

1. The “basics” – SUGAR / HONEY AND SALT

2. Ask yourself what dishes you most frequently prepare using long term storage items.

( Breads, soups, chili, salads, desserts, etc.)

3. Make a list of seasonings you would need to continue making those items long-term. You may be able to make that list by just looking at what seasonings you already have in your cupboard.

            (pepper, chili powder, paprika, cinnamon, nutmeg, etc.)

4. Include these seasonings on your regular grocery list and build up a bigger supply.

 THEN CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING:

 Item                                   Characteristic                                      Good combined in

Salt                                Brings out flavor – all purpose          “Season Salt” (iucludes garlic, paprika)

Pepper                                                                              “Lemon pepper” (includes garlic, onion)

                                                                                          “Steak” season i(ncludes salt. garlic, dill)

Peppercorns                 Give richer peppered flavor to simmered soups                                            

                                                (remove before serving soup)

Paprika                        Spicier addition to any dish.

Oregano                      Good w/pastas, pizzas, stews, soups                             “Italian seasoning,”

Majarom                                                                                                            “Italian seasoning,”

Thyme                                                                                                                “Italian seasoning,”

 Basil                                                                                                                               Pesto                

Sage                            Sausage flavoring, good with meats, in breads       “Poultry seasoning”

Chili pwd                    Add to taste, “mild, medium, hot”                          Salsas, “Red pepper flakes”

Ground cumin             Milder than chili, but rich & pungent

Coriander                    When used with cumin, lemon, gives middle-Eastern flavor

Bay leaves                   Place in water with simmering beans, soups. Remove before serving.

Cinnamon                    All purpose spice! Breads, fruit

Ginger                         Baking, far-East marinades                                     “Pumpkin Pie spice”

Nutmeg / Mace           Good companion to fruit breads: apples / lemon 

 NOW CONSIDER THESE AS HELPFUL TO YOUR TASTY STORAGE:

 Vanilla, Maple extracts (imitation of course)

Lemon juice, rind        Use w/ cumin, coriander

Lime juice                   Sprinkle on fried potatoes, beans and rice combinations for Caribbean flair

Onion flakes / powder

Garlic bits / powder

Mustard powder/ prepared mustard – varieties: Dijon, etc.

Horseradish

Liquid Smoke             add to beans, soups for “hickory” type flavor

Sauces: soy sauce        marinades / “barbeque” flavors /

Chilis:canned /bottled green chili salsa is a nice variation on bean burritos

Cider vinegar              dressings, marinades

Bottled dressings        good for marinades, on pasta

Pickles / relishes

Sesame seeds              In breads, on rice dishes

 AND DON’T FORGET THOSE LITTLE PACKAGED SEASONINGS FOR

 Spaghetti, Tacos, Fajitas, Afredo sauce,  ETC (Go browse the store shelf and experiment)