Let's Dish: What Spice Can You Not Live Without?

August 21, 2008

Although I have a large spice rack, I have a designated mise en place area for ingredients I use all the time. This includes seasonings like salt and pepper as well as my favorite spice, cumin. While we never cooked with it growing up — my mother hates the smell of it — I have grown to love it, and now I don't think I could live without it. It lends a certain earthy smokiness that no other spice can add, and I put it in everything from Indian-inspired salsas to house pickles.

What spice is indispensable to you?

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51 Comments

AmberHoney 4 years 38 weeks

3Sweeties - thanks for the spice tip. I'm gonna order soon.

ffemt1201 4 years 38 weeks

garlic.

GeriAnne1932 4 years 38 weeks

herbs de provence. the best mix is by Penseys

Seka21 4 years 38 weeks

Black pepper Chilli flakes and its not a spice but a mix product... VEGETA!

elysa 4 years 38 weeks

Cayenne for sure and cumin and fresh ground black pepper are my favorites.

jspeed 4 years 38 weeks

Pnut and I must be kindred spirits - my two are fresh cracked peppercorn blends, and cinnamon as well!

cneums 4 years 38 weeks

Cardamon! Great in apple pie, spice cake, and curries.

twinkle911 4 years 38 weeks

I use alot of Paula Deen's "house seasoning" of garlic powder, salt and pepper. I also love marjoram and thyme!

shoneyjoe 4 years 39 weeks

I think nutmeg does wonders for a whole variety of dishes. I use a lot of fresh black pepper too.

RockinHeartJD 4 years 39 weeks

Cumin, Oregano and Dill Weed... some of my all time faves!

lexichloe 4 years 39 weeks

Freshly ground pepper, and of course fresh garlic, if that's included.

otaku 4 years 39 weeks

curry. and cinnamon... but not at the same time, of course.

lynnypoo 4 years 39 weeks

garlic and pepper

kgtkgt 4 years 39 weeks

Cayenne, ground ginger, and pepper

Kate Marie 4 years 39 weeks

Cinnamon is my all time favorite!

3Sweeties 4 years 39 weeks

I forgot to say that I get all my spices from Penzey's. If you love spices, definetly check them out. The quality is outstanding, and so are their prices.

3Sweeties 4 years 39 weeks

Wow- all of you love the same spices I love! I use a lot of cumin, cayenne, smoked paprika and rosemary (yes I know that is an herb!). But really, a little kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper are the classics for a reason- they are often all you need.

Rancher'sGirl 4 years 39 weeks

Freshly ground black pepper, garlic most definitely, and homemade seasoned salt. Not gourmet or terribly fancy, but food sure tastes much better.

doogirl 4 years 39 weeks

I have a handful of spices that I use on everything. Kosher salt, fresh cracked black pepper, garlic, and cayenne pepper. It's a perfect combination of flavors and all the spices are readily available in any grocery store!

AmberHoney 4 years 39 weeks

I would die without them all - I can't pick just one unless it's life or death then garlic. I'm gonna get some smoked salt, thanks fuzzles. I have black Hawaiian salt and it's fun on food and tasty.