My Favorite Spices + A Giveaway! (WFMW)

My Favorite Spices + A Giveaway! (WFMW)

For this week’s Works for Me Wednesday post, I thought I’d share one of my best secrets for great tasting foods… Herbs and spices!

That may seem a bit obvious, but I’m often surprised by how little some of my friends and family use herbs and spices in their cooking. Even when they do use a dried herb or a spice to flavor their food, they use so little of it that it hardly makes a difference (granted, there are some flavors where a little goes a long way, and I realize that!).

When people prepare under-seasoned food, I don’t think it’s because they have poor taste or because they can’t cook… Instead, I think they are just afraid.  They aren’t sure which spices to use and how much to add, so their err on the side of caution. I’ve been there, and I get that.

works for me wednesday at we are that family

So, today I thought I’d share a few of my favorite herbs and seasonings along with the foods that they pair well with…  The best way to learn to use herbs and spices in your cooking is to just jump right in there and give them a try!

Basil
The flavor of basil reminds me of summer, and I especially love the flavor of dried basil in tomato-based soups and sauces. I usually add about 1/2 – 1 teaspoon to the onions and garlic when I am making pizza sauce and marinara sauce.

Cardamom
Cardamom has a floral flavor that goes well with both sweet and savory flavors.  I particularly like it in sweet dishes paired with chocolate, espresso, cinnamon, or fruits.  This is one of the spices where a little bit goes a long way, so I typically only use 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon.

Chili Powder
I love Mexican food, so I use chili powder quite a bit.  There are lots of different varieties of chili powder, some spicier than others.  Ancho chili powder tends to have a smokey, yet sweet flavor to it, and doesn’t pack a lot of heat.  Chipotle chili powder is also smokey, but tends to be a lot spicier.  You will often find blends that feature a variety of chiles. I use it to flavor sauces for enchiladas, season meat for tacos, and mix it with other flavors for a great spicy dry rub for grilling. Based on your taste and the heat of your chili powder, you can use anywhere from 1/2 teaspoon – 1 tablespoon in a dish.

Cinnamon
Cinnamon is another spice that I love in both sweet and savory dishes.  It pairs well with fruit (everyone loves apples and cinnamon), chocolate (think Mexican hot chocolate), and fall favorites like pumpkin and butternut squash.  I also think it works well in some dry rubs for meat, such as pork and beef.  Most recipes will use about 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.

Cumin
Cumin is another one of my favorites for Mexican cooking.  It has a warm, earthy (and sometimes slightly smokey) flavor that adds depth to dishes.  I often pair it with chili powder in my favorite Mexican dishes using about 1 teaspoon or so.

Dill Weed
Dill is another spice that often reminds me of summer, partly because I grow fresh dill in my garden and partly because a lot of my favorite summer foods contain dill.  I most often use dill in salad dressings, dips, and salads.  It’s especially good mixed into egg salad and potato salad.  I usually use about 1/2 teaspoon of dill in a dish, but it also works well as a garnish sprinkled on top of a salad or dressing.

Nutmeg
Nutmeg is great paired with cinnamon in sweet recipes like cookies, pies, and cakes.  I also love to add a bit of nutmeg to white sauces and even mashed potatoes.  Nutmeg is another spice where a little bit goes a long way.  When I’m baking, I will often add 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon to a batch of cookies or a pie filling. When I use it in a savory sauce, I add just a pinch (or grate just a small amount when I have whole nutmeg on hand).

Smoked Paprika
Smoked paprika is one of my favorite spices.  I especially love to use it in the winter for savory, comforting dishes.  It adds a wonderful smokey flavor to dishes, so I find it especially great in chili.  It also works well in homemade barbeque sauces and dry rubs. I will often add up to a tablespoon of smoked paprika to a big batch of chili.

Thyme
Thyme is another herb that I love in Italian dishes, and I often pair it with basil.  I add about 1/2 teaspoon to my marinara and pizza sauces. I think it also pairs well in creamy and cheesy dishes, so I will often add some thyme to my macaroni and cheese and gratins – typically about 1/2 teaspoon.

Spices Inc. Giveaway!

Spices Inc. sent me a care package of 10 spices chosen specifically for me based on the recipes that I share here on my blog (including many of the spices I mentioned above). They are excellent quality spices (many organic) that add great flavor to my dishes.  I especially love their collection of whole spices, organic spices, and salt free seasonings. In addition to loving their great products, I am also impressed by their dedication to help fight hunger.  They donate 1% of their sales (that’s right, sales, not profits) to Feeding America.

You don’t have to just take my word for it, though… Spices Inc. has generously agreed to give one of you the chance to try out their spices, as well. They’d love to learn more about your favorite spices, so they are giving you the opportunity to create your own collection of spices from the selection on their website.

One lucky winner will not only receive their customized gift set of spices, but the spice set will be added to their website so that your friends and family can also purchase your customized set of spices!

To enter the giveaway, please leave a comment here including the following information…

  1. Choose any 10 spices, herbs, seasonings, chiles or extracts from the Spices Inc. site.
  2. Select a creative name for your spice set
  3. Provide a sentence or two on why you picked the selection you did… Are they family favorites? Your favorite baking spices? Maybe a great collection for summer grilling?

To enter the giveaway, please be sure to leave a comment by next Friday, February 18th at 10:00pm EST.

Once all of the comments are in, the reader with the most creative blend of spices will be selected as the winner, and will receive their customized gift set.  As I mentioned above, the set will also be added to the Spices Inc. site as a special limited edition spice set!

My Kitchen Addiction Product Review Policy and Disclosure– I received this product (custom spice set from Spices Inc.) at no cost from the manufacturer (or a representative PR firm) for the purpose of testing and reviewing the product. Unless otherwise specified, I do not accept monetary compensation for reviewing or writing about products. I only review products that I have personally tested and used in my kitchen/home, and all opinions expressed are my own.

84 comments

  1. Jecka says:

    1) My spices would be…

    + Organic Saigon Cinnamon Sticks
    + Bourbon Vanilla Beans
    + Star Anise
    + Organic Garam Masala
    + Curry Powder Hot Heat
    + Chipotle Flakes
    + Organic Yellow Mustard Seed Powder
    + Salt-Free Taco Seasoning
    + Salt-Free Garlic Herb Seasoning
    + Salt-Free Adobo Seaoning

    2) I would call this set “Sweetly Spicy”.

    3) I chose most of these because I use many of these already in my kitchen, or they are items I’ve wanted to use for years but haven’t (such as vanilla beans and whole cinnamon sticks). But most importnatly, I was happy to see so many salt-free varieties on Spices Inc. of things I frequently use! I’ve lost about 37 pounds and I’m continuing to live healthy, so to have a salt-free taco seasoning, salt-free garlic/herb seasoning, and especially salt-free adobo is so exciting to me. My mother is Puerto Rican so she and my entire maternal side of the family cooks with store-bought adobo all the time. I stopped using it in my own kitchen because of the high sodium content… but if I can get it without salt like on Spices Inc. I will be the happiest girl around!

  2. Rossella says:

    As you, I love spices and herbs.
    Cardamom è so magic during the Xmas period. Cumin and coriandor are great to give a different flavour event to daily recipes. Recently, I’ve discovered harissa: I’m in love with it.

    Please, don’t count me for your wonderful giveaway. I’m from Italy.

  3. Chocolate & Carrots Baking Essentials
    1. Organic Ground Ceylon Cinnamon
    2. Organic Vanilla Beans
    3. Organic Cocoa Powder
    4. Vanilla Extract
    5. Organic Flax Seed
    6. Organic Ground Cloves
    7. Ground Nutmeg
    8. Organic Ground Allspice
    9. Course Sea Salt
    10. Cardamom Seed Powder

    All of these spices are essential in the baking that I do for Chocolate & Carrots.

    Thank you so much for the giveaway! :-D

  4. Jen says:

    Jen’s Blend: Organic Saigon Cinnamon, Saffron, Bourbon Vanilla Beans, White Cheddar Cheese Powder, Chipotle Powder, Adobo Seasoning, Jamaican Jerk Seasoning, Organic Rosemary, Organic Thyme and Ground Cumin.

    My list doesnt really follow 1 theme – the cinnamon and vanilla beans are because I love to bake and use these spices most frequently. We love to grill so the adobo and jerk seasoning blends would be great for quick summer meals. Rosemary and Thyme are my favorite herbs and I love chili powders and use cumin in all kinds of dishes. The saffron is on the list because I’ve always wanted to try paella after visiting Spain and finally the white cheddar because I thought it sounded like a great popcorn topping.

  5. My spice mix would be called “Spice of Life”

    1. Cardamom pods
    2. Mace
    3. Whole cloves
    4. Garam masala
    5. Lemongrass
    6. Pink peppercorns
    7. Saffron
    8. Ras El Hanout
    9. Grains of Paradise
    10. Pacific Smoked Sea Salt

    I think that spices are what make food unique and exciting–both in taste and color–and I love introducing my friends and family to them! These are all new spices I’ve tried recently or want to try in the near future.

  6. Diane says:

    Where There’s Smoke…There’s Fire!

    Smoked Paprika
    Manzanillo Mexican Rub
    Texas Smoked Turkey Rub
    Chili Powder-New Mexico
    Chipotle Powder
    Dried Habanero Chili
    Habanero Flakes
    Adobo Lime Rub
    Smoky Citrus Salt
    White Pepper Blend

    I chose these spices/herbs because they have a Bite! What’s life without a little SPICE?

  7. Marcy S. says:

    My spices mixture would be called “Around the World and Back” it would consist of:
    Chili Powder
    Cumin
    Basil
    Oregeno
    Jamican Jerk
    Paprika
    Creole
    Baharat
    Chinese 5 spice
    and Curry, Madras

    These are items we use quite often or would like to start using as we try to diversify our the cooking to other types of cusine in our house.

  8. Susan says:

    My spices would be:
    – cardamom pods
    – anise seed
    – Tahitian vanilla beans
    – coriander seed powder
    – garam masala
    – fleur de sel
    – ras el hanout
    – saffron
    – sel gris
    – madras curry

    I would call this mix Sugar and Spice because it is a unique mix of exotic baking spices and essentials for Indian and Moroccan curries- the three types of cooking I do the most!

  9. Heidi says:

    1)
    Habanero Flakes
    Chipotle Powder
    Cayenne Pepper Hot Heat
    Smoked Paprika (Sweet)
    Organic Cocoa Powder
    Sweet Basil
    Mexican Oregano
    Pacific Sea Smoked Sea Salt
    Ground Black Pepper Medium Grind
    Hill Country Chili Powder
    2) I’d call it the Perfect Chili Seasoning Mix
    3) I use the boring equivalents of these spices in my chili. I would looooove to try these, they look so tasty. There are so many other things I’d love to try on that site :)

  10. 1. Chipotle Powder
    2. Apple Pie Spice
    3. Blackened Seasoning
    4. Cilantro
    5. Garam Masala
    6. Lemon White Pepper
    7. Spanish Paprika
    8. Saffron
    9. Tarragon Leaf
    10. Tandoori Spice

    I would call this “Jia’s Sweet and Spicy Rack”

    Our house is always a mixture of culture and cuisine. We were both raised with that good home cooking, southern mostly . . . but fell in love with exotic and fine dining that included saffron infused spanish dishes, chipotle rubbed grilled Mexican food, Jamaican jerk chicken, and almost anything from India.

  11. Rebecca Koch says:

    “Colorful Palate: A rainbow of spices and seasonings.”
    1. Himalayan pink salt
    2. Sweet smoked paprika
    3. Chinese Five Spice
    4. Maharajah Curry
    5. Yellow Mustard Seed Powder
    6. Adobo Lime Rub
    7. Mediterranean oregano
    8. Chervil
    9. Grade A1 Poppy Seed
    10. Bourbon Vanilla Beans

    I chose the Colorful Palate because it represents the sweet spiciness and beautiful presentation that I want my dishes to have. I love Mediterranean and Asian creations, and this selection would be just the thing to make them shine! Mix in the pink salt, poppy seeds, and vanilla for my addiction to baking, and this list is an answer to my prayers.

  12. My Baking Loves

    1. Organic Cassia Cinnamon Sticks
    2. Cinnamon Chips
    3. Organic Saigon Cinnamon Powder
    4. Tahitian Vanilla Beans
    5. Vanilla Flavor
    6. Cocoa Powder
    7. Cream of Tartar
    8. Vanilla Extract
    9. Ground cloves
    10. Ground allspice

    I am ALWAYS baking and these spices are ones that you always need when baking so why not making a wonderful set of them! I’ve never worked with cinnamon chips either and would love to

  13. Jane says:

    Quickly Tasty

    1. Smoked paprika
    2. Sel gris
    3. Tellicherry peppercorns
    4. Thyme leaves
    5. Dill weed
    6. Ancho powder
    7. Mediterranean oregano
    8. Zahtar
    9. Salt-free adobo seasoning
    10. Ras El Hanout

    A list of things that we use frequently in my household’s cooking. Aside from the seasoning mixes, one might almost take any 2 of these (+ a little salt or citrus) and make most foods taste really good, and more exciting. Add some heat, maybe some sort of fat, and a little garlic and/or onion, and it does not get much tastier, or much more easily.

  14. Tracy says:

    Wonderful giveaway! I’d name my set “Elegant Baking:”

    Cardamom Seed Powder
    Crystalized Ginger
    Dried Rose Petals
    Fleur de Sel
    Himalayan Pink Salt
    Organic Cacao Nibs
    Organic Ceylon Cinnamon
    Organic Cocoa Powder
    Organic Lavender
    Organic Vanilla Beans

    These are the spices I turn to when I wish to bake something lovely and elegant, usually for a special occasion!

  15. Elizabeth says:

    My spices would be:

    -Black and White Peppercorns (Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy)
    -Thyme leaf (Anne Elliot)
    -Tarragon (Marianne Dashwood)
    -Summer Savory (Elizabeth Bennett)
    -Rosemary (Fanny Price)
    -Nutmeg (Edmund Bertram)
    -Dried Rose Petals (Jane Bennett)
    -Caraway Seeds (Emma Woodhouse)
    -Allspice Berries (Edward Ferrars)
    -Sel Gris (Elinor Dashwood)

    I would call this set the “Jane Austen Set.”
    The women show sensibility and romantic tendencies, and the men, while somewhat rigid, provide a lot of spice! My personal favorites are Mr. Darcy, represented by the Black and White Peppercorns, and Elizabeth Bennett, represented by Summer Savory.

  16. Anthony says:

    1) Organic Onion Powder
    2) Organic Ginger Powder
    3) Organic Garlic Salt
    4) Organic Saigon Cinnamon
    5) Organic Chili Power
    6) Organic Cayenne Pepper
    7) Organic Thyme Leaf
    8 ) Organic Parsley
    9) Organic Rosemary Leaf
    10) Sichuan Peppercorns

    Life of Spice Mix

    Spices have always been important in my cooking and this group of spices is perfect for college life and reminds me home-cooking.

  17. Heather says:

    My spices would be:

    1) Tahitian Vanilla Beans
    2) Saigon Cinnamon
    3) Whole Nutmeg
    4) Ginger Root Powder
    5) Pumpkin Pie Spice
    6) Allspice
    7) Cream of Tartar
    8 ) Ground Gloves
    9) Orange Zest
    10)Lemon Peel

    I would call it “Holiday Baking” because those are the spices needed to make my favorite holiday treats: pumpkin pie, gingerbread, snickerdoodles, and many many more.

  18. Jan says:

    I’ve picked Sweet Basil, Fennel seeds,sage, oregano, cumin,cardamom pods, paprika, salt free pizza and Italian seasoning. I would call it Jan’s special spice rack. I picked the first 8 because they are the ones I love and use most and the last 2 because my husband tries very hard to cut down on his sodium intake and those 2 are included in the recipes he loves most

  19. Hello! I would call this “Passage through Eurasia”. I would love to try and make more foods from India and South Asia—these spices would be great for them!

    1. Curry Powder (Hot)
    2. Maharajah Style Curry Powder
    3. Garam Masala
    4. Madras Curry
    5. Organic Saigon Cinnamon
    6. Organic Saigon Cinnamon Sticks
    7. Ras El Hanout
    8. Spanish Saffron
    9. Tahitian Vanilla Beans
    10. Tandoori Spice

  20. Kerri says:

    1) Organic cacao nibs
    2) Organic cardamom pods
    3) Deep south dry rub
    4) Berbere
    5) Piri piri
    6) Zaatar
    7) Hawaij
    8) Lime pepper
    9) Espresso rub
    10) Smoky citrus salt

    “Experiment: Delicious!”

    I haven’t used any of these in my cooking/baking, and I think that they would all be scrumptious. :) And food is all about creating and enjoying, right?

  21. Rita says:

    The spices I would pick are:
    Spice to Life
    1. garam masala
    2. tyme
    3. garlic powder
    4. celery salt
    5. italian seasoning
    6. onion powder
    7. rosemary
    8. smoked paprika
    9. vanilla beans (bourbon)
    10. marjoram

    I picked these because these are some of my most commonly used spices when I cook.

  22. Jasper says:

    “mulling over china”

    1) allspice berries
    2) whole star anise
    3) organic black peppercorns, tellicherry
    4) nutmeg
    5) whole juniper berries
    6) cassia cinnamon sticks
    7) ginger root powder
    8) orange zest
    9) organic cacao nibs
    10) dried ancho chilies

    These are my favorite ingredients for both mulled wine, and most Chinese dishes ( diy 10 spice mix is way better than 5 spice ). I “crock pot” a bottle of the red wine with a little bit of everything on that list for a spicy warm treat in the winter, or grind them up and make general tso’ tofu or beef stir fry. mmmm!

  23. Jennifer G says:

    “Not So Everyday” Spice Mix

    1. Buffalo Wing Rub
    2. Cheddar Cheese Powder
    3. Garam Masala
    4. Hawaiian Black Salt
    5. Organic Cacao Nibs
    6. Organic Herbs de Provence
    7. Peppercorns, Pink
    8. Gourmet Peppercorn Mixer
    9. Habanero Powder
    10. Curry Powder, Medium

    My mix is called “Not So Everyday” because they can be incorporated into weeknight cooking to elevate it from ho-hum to extraordinary. :)

  24. Callie says:

    1. Saffron–I have been in love with this expensive but so wonderful fragrent spice since traveling in Morocco 7 years ago.
    2. Curry — b/c I love it
    3. Sweet Basil — my favorite spice
    4. Marjoram — just so lovely in soup
    5. Bay Leaves — b/c my mom taught me that you kiss the cook if you get the bay leaf
    6. Cinnamon Powder — for making granny’s apple cake
    7&8. Oregano & Ground Cloves– B/ I love italian food
    9. Paprika — for delicious deviled eggs
    10. Rosemary — smells so good

    My (not-so) creative name would be Callie’s Cubbard

  25. Emily says:

    What an awesome giveaway!

    My spice collection:
    All American Dry Rub
    Texas Chicken Rub
    Deep South Dry Rub
    Pork Stank
    Salt-Free Steak Rub
    Apple Pie Spice
    Cacao Nibs
    Saigon Cinnamon
    Espresso Rub
    Smoky Citrus Salt

    I would call my collection “His and Hers.”
    Can you tell which are for “him” and which are for “her?” My boyfriend and I spend many Friday nights and Saturday grilling and hanging out in the kitchen. This is a perfect mix of us both.

  26. Valerie says:

    “Salt Sucks”

    – Adobo Seasoning
    – Chinese Five Spice
    – Moroccan Vegetable Rub
    – Lime Pepper
    – Salt Free Thai Spice
    – Sweet Curry
    – Organic Herbs de Provence
    – Organic Garam Masala
    – Apple Pie Spice
    – Pumpkin Pie Spice

    I chose spices and seasonings that would help me reduce the sodium in the meals I serve my family, without losing out on exotic and unfamiliar dishes!

  27. KMJ says:

    Smoke on the Water

    Berbere Spice
    Baharat
    Spanish Paprika
    Hungarian Paprika
    Madras Curry
    Guajillo Chile
    Saigon Cinnamon
    Zahtar
    Jamaican Jerk Seasoning
    Pacific Sea Smoked Sea Salt

    I’m a sucker for paprika, for its deep and complex flavors and that hint of smoke. I picked other spices and mixes that seemed to compliment paprika’s luscious undertones and bring individual regional perspectives towards the idea of heat, without going overboard. And to complete our tour, a beautifully smoked sea salt that makes me drool just looking at it.

  28. Karla says:

    Curry Powder Hot Heat
    Smoky Citrus Salt
    garam masala
    Organic cardamom pods
    Maharajah Style Curry Powder
    Dried Habanero Chili
    Chinese 5 spice
    Himalayan Pink Salt
    Madras Curry
    Zahtar

    New Adventure blend!

    I chose these spices/blends because they sound delicious AND I have never tried any of them before. I love experimenting!

  29. My spice set is called: Hot, Exotic, Smoky, and Sweet

    Ghost Chiles
    Paprika, Spanish
    Saigon Cinnamon
    Astafetida Powder
    Black Cardamom Whole
    Pacific Sea Smoked Sea Salt
    Garam Masala
    Coriander
    Cumin
    Oregano, Mexican

    With this blend of spices you can make all sorts of exotic dishes from Tex-Mex to Indian curries.

  30. Andrea says:

    Great giveaway :)

    1) My spices would be…

    + Habanero Flakes
    + Garam Msala
    + Thai Spice
    + Saffron
    + Celery Seeds
    + Chili con carne
    + Salt free Thai Spice
    + Smoked Paprika
    + Sichuan Peppercorns
    + Ginger Root Powder

    2)The name of the set would be “BOLD”

    3)I love to turn any dish into a Bold One with spices. Think outside the salt!!

  31. Lyndsey says:

    Vietnamese cinnamon, vanilla beans, creole seasoning, Jamaican jerk seasoning, berbere, lemongrass, star anise, saffron, herbs de provence, nutmeg.
    Travel the world by flavor. I love to travel and I dream of visiting all of the places these herbs and spices come from. But, I always want to end up at home, in the nutmeg state!

  32. Jana says:

    Name: Jana’s Essential Spice Rack (not too creative, I know, but completely true!)

    Spices
    *Cinnamon
    *Chipotle Powder
    *Nutmeg
    *Cardamom
    *Vanilla Extract
    *Curry Powder
    *Cayenne (Hot)
    *Rosemary
    *Oregano
    *Chili Powder

    I chose my favorite spices, the ones I use all the time and can always use more of.

  33. lbs30 says:

    1. My spices would be:
    Bay Leaf
    Black & White Peppercorn Blend
    Bourbon Vanilla Beans
    Dry Mustard Powder
    Espresso Rub
    Jamaican Jerk Seasoning
    Mediterranean Cyprus Flake Salt
    Italian Seasoning
    Lemon Peel
    Whole Nutmeg

    2. ElleBelle’s Home Cooking Starter Set

    3. I love to cook and these are the spices that I use most frequently. I think the set would be a great set for someone just starting out, not sure what they will need/use.

  34. yeon says:

    organic when available:
    1. chinese five spice
    2. curry powder
    3. black sesame seed
    4. ginger root powder
    5. szechuan peppercorns
    6. ground jamaican cloves
    7. vanilla extract
    8. mace
    9. jamaican allspice
    10. cinnamon chips

    i call this set “eastern entree, western dessert”. i usually prepare a traditional korean meal at home using many of the spices #1-#5, and also love to bake western cupcakes and cookies using spices #6-#10.

  35. Alexandria says:

    My ten spices would be:

    Fleur de Sel
    Berbere
    Ras al Hanout
    Garam Masala
    Baharat
    Saffron
    Chinese Five Spice
    Tahitian Vanilla Beans
    Lemongrass
    Spanish Paprika

    I call this the Fledgling Foodie Spice Collection! Many of the delicious recipes I find on the net call for these spices but I can’t find them in my town. They seem like great exotic additions to any fledgling foodie’s spice rack.

  36. Tamara says:

    My list would include:
    1. Fennel Pollen
    2. Zaatar
    3. Adobo
    4. China 5 spice
    5. Tandori spice
    6. Ras el hanout
    7. Cacao Nibs
    8. Harissa
    9. Organic Herbs de Provence
    10. Organic Peppermint

    We are always trying new recipes and these are some of the ingredients that are missing from our spice drawer.

  37. Linda Kennedy says:

    I love your site. Should I win I would choose:
    1. Tahitian Vanilla Beans
    2. Organic Chipotle powder
    3. Blackened Seasoning
    4. Chipotle honey rub
    5. Dreid Ancho Chilies
    6. Dried Anahemin Chilies
    7. Saffron
    8. Smoked Sweet paprika
    9. Vanilla Extract
    10. South Australian Flake Salt

  38. Tali says:

    Tahitian Vanilla Bean
    Almond Extract
    Black and White Peppercorn
    Pink Peppercorn
    Cinnamon Chips
    Cardmom Pods
    Lemon Peel
    Organic Yellow Mustard Seed
    Organic Lavendar
    Poppy Seed Dutch Blue

    This collection is titled “We’re All Mad Here”. These are flavors you would expect to find at the Mad Tea Party or in the Duchess’s kitchen when you venture to Wonderland.

  39. Jenna Z says:

    YUM! What fun!

    Ground Cumin
    Manzanillo Mexican Seasoning
    Dried Ancho Chiles
    Salt Free Adobo Seasoning
    Smoked Paprika (Sweet)
    Moroccan Vegetable Rub
    Organic Ceylon Cinnamon
    Cardamom Black Whole
    Bourbon Vanilla Beans
    Organic Cocoa Powder

    I’m calling my set “That Sweet Sister is Spicy!” It is an homage to Sister Valencia, the missionary that used to visit us. She was from Mexico and would make the SPICIEST foods but she would also bring the most delectable baked goods! It was my first taste of spicy food, since we were a midwestern meat and potatoes family. She was a fun lady!

  40. Kristina says:

    My collection!
    A Taste of the World
    1. Zatar
    2. Salt-free chili powder
    3. Madras Curry
    4. Salt-free cajun
    5. Gourmet peppercorn mixer
    6. Burger Blast
    7. Pumpkin pie spice
    8. Moroccan chicken spice rub
    9. Moroccan veggie rub
    10. All American dry rub

  41. Karen Diep says:

    I call this spice set: Bake-a-Q
    It combines both the flavors of baking spices and BBQ spices that everyone loves!

    Bake-a-Q

    The Bake:
    1. Organic Cocoa Powder
    2. Tahitian Vanilla Bean
    3. Vanilla Extract
    4. Nutmeg (whole)
    5. Fleur de Sel

    The Q:
    6. Chipotle Pepper
    7. Sweet Spanish Paprika
    8. Prime Rib Rub
    9. Cajun Rub Hot Heat
    10. Spanish Saffron

  42. Mags says:

    Excellent post! If I had to go back five years I would have been in the same boat as the people you mentioned… afraid to use spices, or not use enough. I’ve finally learned which ones pair well together and have more spices than the law should allow.

  43. Brit says:

    The I Want To Be A Fancier Cook Collection (except, the burger blast, I love the idea!)
    Fleur de Sel
    Creole Seasoning
    Crystalized Ginger
    Mediterranean Cyprus Flake Salt
    Honey Chipotle
    Chinese 5 Spice
    Lemon Pepper
    Herbs de Provence
    Allspice
    Burger Blast

    I would love to try out new spices and new salts that sound so so so good! I love different things so trying out new recipes would be so awesome!

  44. Cait says:

    I would choose 10 different organic spices and would call the mix “Farm Fares” as we’ve recently moved out to my family farm and purchased a flock of dairy sheep. We plan to make and sell organic sheep’s milk cheeses this summer. Can’t wait!

    -Organic coriander
    -Organic Saigon cinnamon sticks
    -Organic tumeric powder
    -Organic bay leaves
    -Organic cumin
    -Organic curry powder
    -Organic paprika
    -Organic red pepper flakes
    -Organic mustard seed powder
    -Saffron (even though its not organic!)

    I have chosen this group of 10 based on what we use most on our farm and items that we most likely be able to grow or produce ourselves. Saffron is included because its something I’ve never used before (mostly due to the cost) but would really love to try!

  45. Rachel J says:

    Love this…would call it Cooking 101 Spices
    Sweet Basil, Sweet Chili Powder, Cinnamon Powder, Ground Cloves, Granulated Garlic, Onion Powder, Oregano, Cracked Black Pepper, Rosemary, Vanilla Extract

  46. Greg says:

    This is fun! You guys are doing an excellent job! Some of these selections have made me laugh out loud and some have made me smile.

    Thanks for all the thought that has gone in to these it really shows through.

  47. Shruti says:

    My spice collection would be called “From cake to steak”:

    Tahitian vanilla beans
    Allspice
    Cream of tartar
    Salt free cajun seasoning
    Sichuan peppercorns
    Blackened seasoning
    Dutch blue poppyseeds
    Star anise powder
    Celery seed
    Arrowroot powder

    This list is a combination of things that I need to continue stocking my new kitchen and things that I have been wanting to buy recently. These are all things I’ve been hoping to add to my kitchen so I can get started on that ever-growing list of new recipes to try!

  48. All purpose rub – perfect for grilling and roasting!
    Coriander
    Cinnamon
    Curry
    Black pepper
    Hungarian sweet paprika
    Hot paprika
    Chili powder
    Thyme
    Garam masala
    Cumin

  49. Chao says:

    My spice set is called “Fireworks!”

    – Vanilla Extract
    – Organic Ceylon Cinnamon
    – Citrus Zest
    – Organic Granulated Garlic
    – Fleur de Sel
    – Organic Cocoa Powder
    – Greek Seasoning
    – Ghost Chile
    – Italian Seasoning
    – Hawaiian Black Salt

    I chose these because they are either spices I’ve always wanted to try or spices I use regularly when cooking and baking (:
    Thanks!

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