The Right Spice

Perhaps the biggest wake up call when I started to cook on my own (outside of my parents' home) was the realization that I needed to purchase all my own spices. Suddenly, stranded at college with a somewhat stocked fridge, 2 plates, 2 bowls, and 1 drinking glass it dawned on me: I had no way to season any of the food I was about to cook. Luckily the grocery store was a 10 minute walk away, and within minutes I was standing before a wall of overly priced, measly sized spice jars.

My first thought was, guess I'll only be eating salt flavored foods for the rest of the my life. As the cheapest and most wildly used spice, it was a clear necessity. But what about the rest? I had sworn off the flavor of black pepper during my first year in college, because it seemed that was the only spice the cafeteria workers used and did so in abundance. So what was left? Do I choose just Italian spices, but then I'm limited to just Italian flavors. What about spicy, ones with a bit of a kick?

I had to make a choice, and my instinct that day served me well in choosing necessary spices in the future. But how do you approach buying spices without spending too much or getting all the wrong thing? It may take a few trips to the grocery store right before meal time, like my first visit, but a couple stops in the spice aisle and you can have your own budding spice rack. (If you're like me, 3 years later and it is still no where close to the one your parent's or any real functioning adult has, but it is a start!)

So some tips, how to choose the right spices.
(Anything with a * is usually on my shelves, fridge, or growing on the window sill!)

The Essentials
Salt*
Black Pepper*
Garlic Powder*
Paprika*
Onion Powder (I use fresh onion)

Now if you like any dish that falls into the following consider these.

Italian
Oregano*
Basil*
Parsley*
(I usually get this fresh for specific dishes only)
Red Pepper Flakes*
Bay Leaf
Yeast*

Mexican
(Or anything with a kick)
Chili Powder
Cayenne
Cumin
Cilantro*

American
(Think steak and potatoes)
Thyme
Rosemary
Sage
Tarragon

Chinese
Ginger
Sesame
Soy Sauce*

Baking
Cinnamon
Vanilla Extract*
Nutmeg
Cream of Tartar

Now, like I said there is no need to have all of these fully stocked, 24/7 especially when you are just beginning your cooking adventure. I would think about your favorite flavors, the dishes you will definitely make, and the genre of foods you most enjoy. Then go through this list or one you find on the internet and pick out the spices that you cannot make your absolute favorite dishes without. Then invest in those! Trader Joes probably has the most affordable spice rack of any grocery store!

Mixing spices is a whole other story we can cover later, but if you're making a dish, start with the essentials (salt, pepper, garlic) and move into the family of food you are cooking. You want to blend the spices not clash or over do it. So try not to mix too many super hot and spicy seasonings all at once! More on the right seasonings at the right times to come!