The Skinny on Herbs and Spices

Admit it, you have those jars of oregano, paprika, and ground mustard that you bought to make to make a goulash in collage to impress your date and have been pushing them around in your pantry since 1991. It’s time to let them go. It’s not easy especially when the words of your mother tell you not to waste stuff. Well, when it comes to herbs and spices you need to use it or lose it...taste and potency that is.

Herbs and spices add flavor so you won’t need as much fat to get satisfaction.

Anything you haven’t used in 6 months goes. Period. Except for Kosher and Sea salt or whole pepper that’s in a pepper grinder, since it will stay fresher longer until it’s been ground. Every pantry no matter what level of cook you are should have the following dried herbs and spices: sea salt, kosher salt, whole peppercorns in a grinder (preferably one with 2 grinding options course and finer), bay leaves, cinnamon, cumin, sage, dry mustard, cayenne pepper, sweet paprika, pepper flakes, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, chili powder, whole cloves, whole nutmeg. With these you will be able to cook most anything and make your own spice blends. Store in a cool dry place in your kitchen and keep lids closed tight. Remember use less dried than fresh since they are more concentrated in flavor about 1/3 less when you do not have fresh.

Now let’s add fresh herbs to the fridge to have on hand: basil, thyme, chives, cilantro, italian parsley, and tarragon. These herbs go great with everything. A good way to try new herbs is by stirring them in scrambled eggs or on chicken breast. If they taste good here, take it to another level by adding them to salads and salad dressings, soups and stews, and sandwiches. Get the most out of your herbs by storing them in a rolled damp paper towel in the fridge or with cilantro and parsley just cut the bottom and put in a cup of water on the second or third shelf.
Herbs and spices add flavor so you won’t need as much fat to get satisfaction.
Let this be the year you clean out not only your closet, but your pantry too.
You’ll be glad you did and so will your waistline.

Giselle Raymond