The Spice Rack

Here is my Top Ten list for every spice rack!

That spice section can get a little overwhelming, especially when you are just starting a well stocked spice rack.
So here is a simple list of ten must haves in the kitchen. Most can even be found at the dollar store.

Black Pepper

You can always buy it ground fine or course, but freshly ground is the best. I would be willing to bet that most of you actually have a pepper mill in your kitchen. Take it, clean it and use it. It's a tool, not a decoration! If you don't have one and can't afford one, not a problem. There are many brands that now have disposable grinder filled with peppercorns. They can even be found at your local dollar store.

Garlic Powder

While I often use fresh garlic on a regularly, if you have some garlic powder handy it can be useful as well. An excellent way to add quick garlic flavor to any dish. Sprinkling some on a batch of fried chicken or even add it a jar of pasta sauce can be the difference between mundane and a really tasty meal.

Thyme

That woodsy, lemony and mild spice. Primarily used with meats or stews and soups. You can add it to vegetables for a nice subtle flavor. Can also be found fresh in the produce section.

Cinnamon

Known by most as spice that adds a zing to sweet dishes like apple pie and sweet potatoes. Cinnamon can also be added to some savory dishes too. Cincinnati Chili has a few pitches in it. The pairing with tomato products is very nice and different.

Oregano

A pinch of dried oregano will make that tomato sauce as Italian as it gets. While most associated with Italian cooking, Oregano is often used in Greek and Mexican dishes as well

Rosemary

If you are cooking French or Mediterranean then dried Rosemary is a must. Sort of woodsy, know for it's earthy flavors.

Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper is the most popular heat spice and has a nice kick, one of the best way to add that wanted heat to any dish. Chili, Wings or Dip, you want it hot, this is you must have spice.

Paprika

Paprika is one of the mildest of the pepper-type spices. You can find smokey and hotter versions but for your starter spice rack I suggest just getting a container of the regular.

Cumin

While Cumin may not be for everyone, it is a must for a lot of ethnic dishes. African, South American, Middle Eastern, Indian and even Caribbean dishes would be very boring without it. Also nice sprinkled on grilled meats and even vegetables.

Nutmeg

Finally there is Nutmeg, often used along cinnamon, but still a necessity, There are a few cheese dishes and it works well for both sweet and savory dishes. Odds are that you will probably use it most in sweet deserts again paired with cinnamon.