Spices, Dried Herbs and Spice Blends

When buying dried spices and dried herbs, be sure to find a really good fresh aromatic brand. Natures Choice and Dan D Pak and bulk stores are good options but you have to make sure to shop in a store where the turnover is very high. I have purchased caraway seeds in three different stores in Kits on the same day and found a vast difference in the quality and freshness. It is well worth trying a variety of sources until you have established a quality reference (meaning that your nose recognizes a good one). Of course, you have to buy and then just toss anything that isn't wonderfully aromatic.

There is no point spending any money on those small bottles from a big super market. Throw those out right now along with any and all jars, cans and packages of condiments, sauces and soups (okay, keep the Dijon).

Regarding dried herbs, some cooks, including David Rocco, only use fresh herbs. I like dried herbs for some recipes. The flavour is different from the fresh herb and wonderful in it's own way. Thyme is one I use a lot. I also use dried basil, oregano, dill leaves, dill seed, aniseed, and mint. Don't buy dried parsley or rosemary. If you ever find dried summer savory in a farmer's market somewhere, grab it.

It's much better to make your own spice blends. You can control the flavour, the freshness, and the proportions.


Garam Masala

Garam Masala is a basic Indian spice blend. I find that I tend to use less or no cinnamon for many recipes.

1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. ground coriander
1 tsp. ground cardamon
1 tsp. pepper

Uses -- numerous Indian recipes, Aloo Gobi

Zatar

Zatar is the traditional Turkish spice mixture used for everything

Sumac is available in Greek grocery stores and has a lovely lemony flavour and a dark red colour.

You can toast the sesame seeds but if they are going on bread or chicken before baking or roasting, you won't need to.

Mix with olive oil and spread on bread before or after baking.

1/3 dried sumac
1/3 dried thyme
1/3 sesame seeds

Uses -- baking bread, roasting chicken

Pickling Spice

Mix the any of the following depending on what you are making:

Allspice, whole **
Mustard seed *
Celery seed *
Coriander seed *
Red pepper flakes **
Bay leaf fresh or dried, broken up *
Cinnamon stick, broken up **
Dill seed **
Mace **
Cardamon pods, green **
Star anise, broken up **
Juniper berries **
Dried or fresh ginger root **
Grape leaves, cherry leaves or oak leaves between the layers of cucumbers.

*Standard for pickling spice
** Optional for pickling spice

Uses - pickled cucumbers, corned beef