Just five? That's hard. I'm changing the rules, because I can't handle that kind of pressure.
My Big Three: (volume-wise I use these the most)
Onion Garlic Chile Powder
Necessary herbs:
Oregano Basil Chives Dill Sage
Most-Valuable Sweet Spices:
Cinnamon Allspice
Honorable mention:
Marjarom Thyme Rosemary Bay Leaves Nutmeg Ginger Clove Spike (seasoning blend) Paprika Canadian Steak Seasoning (great on broiled veggies)
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"The promptings of the Holy Ghost will always be sufficient for our needs if we keep to the covenant path. Our path is uphill most days, but the help we receive for the climb is literally divine." --Elaine S. Dalton
Onion Italian seasoning Seasoned Salt Taco Seasoning Steak Dust
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If ye love wealth better than liberty, the tranquility of servitude than the animated contest of freedom, go from us in peace. May your chains sit lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that you were our countrymen! - Samuel Adams
I think it's interesting to see what flavors people go for in their regular cooking. I've always assumed that we all eat pretty much the same kind of stuff, which is true to a point, but I'm finding a lot of variation in the kinds of things my friends and family eat.
Also, I have a niece and nephew getting married (not to each other, they just happened to get engaged on the same day) and I think that a collection of good spices to get a kitchen started is an awesome wedding gift, so I'm trying to get a feel for what most people use.
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"There is order in the way the Lord reveals His will to mankind. . .we cannot receive revelation for someone else's stewardship." L. Tom Perry
Yeah, I know. I refuse to be limited or choose favorites. You've seen my spice collection and I have a whole little cupboard filled besides the stuff in the pretty little glass jars.
Seasonings are my "thing" in the kitchen. I can bake basic stuff if I have a good recipe. I'm still scared of bread. But I can make dips, salsa, spaghetti sauce, chili, soups, taco meat, sauces, and other savory stuff just by feel (or smell and instinct if you will.) I am a pain in the behind to try to get a recipe out of for any of these items, though. Because I just don't know how much of what seasoning I put in.
I like your idea of giving spices as a wedding gift. What would make that extra special would be to include a few favorite recipes that use some of those spices.
Speaking of recipes, I don't remember if I've shared this super simple one before. Arbi ought to like it. Baste a chicken with honey and tarragon as you roast it. (My mom used it with cornish game hens, but we rarely have those at our house. It works well with chicken.) It's a lovely flavor.
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"The promptings of the Holy Ghost will always be sufficient for our needs if we keep to the covenant path. Our path is uphill most days, but the help we receive for the climb is literally divine." --Elaine S. Dalton
I never use garlic salt or powder...just the real stuff for me....and not even from the jar. I use fresh garlic....oh my word, I love garlic. I rarely use onion powder. I keep fresh chopped onions in my freezer to have on hand.
My faves of herbs:
Savory (I cannot stress how much I love this stuff) Thyme Oregano Dill Rosemary
My faves of spices:
Fresh ground pepper Chili powder Cumin (love this stuff) Paprika Cayenne
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It takes a big man to cry, but it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man.
