Guide to Spices

There are a few basic spices to use when cooking, besides salt and pepper. The main flavors are smokey, mint, and organic. Here's a simple guide to understand a few basic spices.

The smokey flavor is great for meats, cheeses, starches, or other strong flavors. Tacos, sloppy joes, curry, potatoes, cabbage, mac and cheese are some food examples. Ground Paprika and Cumin Seed are spices that give off a smokey flavor.

Herbs that have a mint quality are Tarragon and Caraway Seed. These spices go with meats, seafood, desserts, vegetables, and anything else you can think of. Tarragon and Caraway Seed are pretty versatile.

Organic tasting herbs are Rosemary and Bay Leaves. These are great for rich and thick foods like stews, gravies, meats, and such. I like them in chicken and dumplings.

A spice that sort of meets in the middle of all of these is Coriander. Coriander is a member of the parsley family and has flavors of pepper, lemon, and cloves. It reminds me of chai. Use it in desserts, curry, or in combination with other herbs.