From the must have's like Salt and Pepper, What spices are in your cabnate that you cant live without.

Crushed Red Pepper I try not to run out of... I use it on pretty much everything... best on eggs replacing black pepper...

Fennel pollen. Simply AMAZING on grilled pork.

I could name quite a few, but I think more important is that I've found spices to be fresher and much better from Penzey's (http://www.penzeys.com/cgi-bin/penzeys/shophome.html), than from local stores. It really does make a big difference. And they do have a few B&Ms. Not cheap, but not ridiculous, considering how little of most of the spices you're actually using.

Oh, OK - white pepper! :p

Fennel pollen. Simply AMAZING on grilled pork.

Sounds good. So I just went to the Pollen Ranch (http://www.fennelpollen.com/) and ordered some. Penzey's doesn't carry it.

Is that where you gets yours?

I usually keep all of these and use most in my rub for everything I cook...
Garlic powder
Garlic Salt
Lemon & Pepper Seasoning
Lime Salt
Onion powder
Onion flakes
Ground Sage
Ground Red Pepper
Crushed Red Pepper
Black Pepper
Seasoning salt
Sea salt
Lo-Salt (mostly potassium)
Parsley flakes
Italian seasoning
Oregano
Cumin
Cilantro
Cinnamon

Crushed Red Pepper, Basil, Italian Seasoning, Oregano and Parsley Flakes.

I could name quite a few, but I think more important is that I've found spices to be fresher and much better from Penzey's (http://www.penzeys.com/cgi-bin/penzeys/shophome.html), than from local stores. It really does make a big difference. And they do have a few B&Ms. Not cheap, but not ridiculous, considering how little of most of the spices you're actually using.

Oh, OK - white pepper! :p

+1. Penzey's is amazing. Since discovering this place, we've replaced our entire spice/dried herb collection with Penzey's. Huge difference in using quality seasonings on your food.

They also have a few original blends. One of my favorites is their "Mural of Flavor." It's good on chicken, fish or pork. Also it's good on tomatoes, potatoes and just about anything else that you can think of.

Ground Ginger - besides using it for cookies and cooking, you can also brew a tea for the flu, cold or the "runs". Helps you with the symptoms, not a cure.

Sounds good. So I just went to the Pollen Ranch (http://www.fennelpollen.com/) and ordered some. Penzey's doesn't carry it.

Is that where you gets yours?

No, I ordered from Zingermans.

Tony Chachere's... Tony Chachere's Creole Kitchen (http://www.cajunspice.com/) Use it instead of salt & pepper.

It's pronounced like sash-eries

Agree on the Penzey's comments. Incredible place.

I have to many to remember all of them while at work. But I'll give shout-outs to to:

First, WHOLE nutmeg should be in everyone's kitchen. The whole version will last years and always be fresher than pre-ground garbage that has lost half its flavor before you open the package.

Second, a spice I rarely employ, but always impresses, is saffron. It may sound expensive, but a little goes a long way. I rarely eat rice without saffron.

Third, star anise is heavily underused in this country. Even makes a great garnish.

I would say my staples are roasted garlic and herb, lemon pepper, and olive oil. Use a bit of cumin and chili when preparing mexican or southwest style dishes, and have a an assortment of dried italian herbs as well that I dry myself. I like to grow fresh herbs all year round, and whatever does't look like its going to get used before wilting, gets dried and jarred. (or used to season wine vinegars for salads, but thats when I get a bit extreme...lol)

I have quite the extensive spice collection. To make rubs or to season something, it's usually a combination of a few different spices and herbs.

But, before any other spice, let's remember that Salt & Pepper is the starting ground for seasoning a dish properly. Not sure if this is obvious or not, but freshly ground whole black peppercorns and Sea and Kosher salt go a long way. Don't settle for table salt or pepper.

This is great. I'm getting some good tips here!

Kosher Salt - good for pickling and for seasoning fish

I can't believe noone has mentioned my favorite... Paprika (especially a good sweet Hungarian variety!)

If you can't find Kosher Salt or don't need a big box for the occasional "fish fry", you can also use Margurita(sp) Salt in place of Kosher Salt.

I can't believe noone has mentioned my favorite... Paprika (especially a good sweet Hungarian variety!)

Paprika is a very subtle spice. I find myself using paprika to colour a dish more often than I use it for seasoning.

Paprika is a very subtle spice. I find myself using paprika to colour a dish more often than I use it for seasoning.

Because of it's subtlety, it can be used in a wide range of applications. I couldn't imagine not having any in my cabinet. I prefer not to cover my food in too many complicated flavors.

It may just be the bohunk in me. :p

Cinnamon is a staple for me - use it mostly on oatmeal. The 2 together are heart-healthy.

http://www.healthdiaries.com/eatthis/10-health-benefits-of-cinnamon.html

I have most of the others mentioned above. I'm also big on the "grinders" (spices in a disposable mill), mostly from McCormicks. In addition to the regular ground pepper and sea salt, I use some of their blends like "Pepper Medley", "Garlic Pepper", and "Montreal Steak Grinder".

I also like a seasoning mix called "Janes Krazy Mixed-up Salt". It's lighter on the salt and has a great blend. Use it on most anything when I think of it. Keep shakers nearby all cooking devices...

JanesKrazy (http://www.janeskrazy.com/home.asp)

Cinnamon is a staple for me - use it mostly on oatmeal. The 2 together are heart-healthy.

10 Health Benefits of Cinnamon (http://www.healthdiaries.com/eatthis/10-health-benefits-of-cinnamon.html)

I have most of the others mentioned above. I'm also big on the "grinders" (spices in a disposable mill), mostly from McCormicks. In addition to the regular ground pepper and sea salt, I use some of their blends like "Pepper Medley", "Garlic Pepper", and "Montreal Steak Grinder".

I also like a seasoning mix called "Janes Krazy Mixed-up Salt". It's lighter on the salt and has a great blend. Use it on most anything when I think of it. Keep shakers nearby all cooking devices...

JanesKrazy (http://www.janeskrazy.com/home.asp)


you know, I absolutely love those disposable mill grinders from McCormicks. I've got the array of Mixed Peppercorns, Garlic Sea Salt, Sea Salt, Cinnemon/Sugar, Italian, and Steakhouse blends and I tell you, they do make a difference. A little if the Italian on top of pasta as a flavorful garnish and the mixed peppercorns in scrambled eggs are two of my favorites. Its fun for my daughter too because its a little activity for her to do when she helps me cook. :)