12 Spices to Keep on Hand

The following are some hints for my most commonly used spices and extracts. Always have these on had in your cupboard, so you can use them in a pinch. Also, use these as a guideline and remember when trying a new spice to go easy. You can always add more.

Here are the 12 spices to keep on hand. 

 

Basil – Used in many Italian dishes and tomato dishes such as pasta sauce and pizza. Delicious in combination with oregano, garlic, and/or thyme.

Garlic Powder – Use 1/8 teaspoon to equal 1 clove of garlic.

Onion – Onion is an important flavoring in almost every country in the world. When combined with other ingredients, onion's flavor is rarely overwhelming or assertive.

Chili Powder - Used mainly in Mexican recipes, such as chili, tacos, and casseroles. Delicious in combination with cumin and garlic.

Cinnamon – Used in breads, fruits, many types of desserts, and vegetables such as carrots, winter squash, and sweet potatoes. Delicious alone or in combination with nutmeg, allspice, and/or cloves.

Oregano – Commonly used in tomato dishes, such as soups, stews, chili, pasta sauce, and pizza; also used in salads and salad dressings. Delicious in combination with garlic, basil, and/or thyme.

Ginger – Ground ginger is used in cakes, breads, steamed puddings, sauces, fruits, and vegetables such as sweet potatoes and carrots. Delicious in combination with cinnamon; also combines well with garlic in Asian dishes.

Dill Weed – Used in pickles, salads, and vegetable dishes. Delicious in combination with garlic; also works well with lemon.

Paprika – Used to add color to foods, and to flavor soups, salad dressings, and stews such as goulash. Often used to top potatoes and cream sauces.

Rosemary – Often used in soups, stews, tomato-based sauces, and vegetable dishes. Combines well with onions, garlic, oregano, or thyme.

Thyme – Used in soups, stews, vegetables, and tomato-based sauces. Delicious in combination with garlic, basil, and/or oregano.

Vanilla – Commonly used to enhance the sweetness of cakes, pies, breads, muffins, sauces, custards, puddings, fruit desserts, and vegetables such as sweet potatoes and winter squash.