Spices Trouble?!
Take mint for example, I associate mint with chocolate, but people use them IN their meals. I don't get that because it never occurred to me to use it like that and I refuse to eat it outside of a desert because I'm afraid that the meal will taste like a desert. Do you know what I mean?
So how do I know what/when to use spices?
Answers: I have trouble knowing when to use spices, many of them I've never had before (or that I've recognized when eating them) like cumin, coriander, nutmeg, ginger...I don't know when to use them or what to use them with.
Take mint for example, I associate mint with chocolate, but people use them IN their meals. I don't get that because it never occurred to me to use it like that and I refuse to eat it outside of a desert because I'm afraid that the meal will taste like a desert. Do you know what I mean?
So how do I know what/when to use spices?
Wow... that's really a tough question. It's sort of an innate talent. You either have it naturally or you have to cultivate it.
You can gain experience by doing alot of cooking and reading of recipes... then transferring what you've learned to other recipes. Or by dining out and paying attention to what herbs/spices other chefs/cooks enhance their recipes with.
Another thing you could do is go to a cookbook or maybe a Durkees or McCormick's website and look at their spice list. They have lists to tell you what type of herb/spice to use with what type of meat or dish. Then go from there.
Don't be afraid to experiment. Taste the spice and try to imagine what it would taste good on or in.
I wish you luck
on every single tones spice jar are suggestions on what foods are enhanced with diffent spices,,,,read the label and you will see your way to an appetizing delicious meal...
Cumin is used in taco seasoning, and in Indian cooking too. You can smell it :)
Slice a sweet potato and cook it on medium low in a pan 15 minutes per side. Then, season with equal parts coriander, garlic powder, salt, paprika and (to taste) cayenne. Cajun!
I think nutmeg is especially good in a peach smoothie, just blend some peaches (can be frozen) some frozen vanilla yogurt and a little milk and a few ice cubes and 1/8-1/4 tsp nutmeg until smooth. Makes it magic!
Nutmeg is also used in bread pudding, or apple pie, or spice cookies.
Ginger is used in Asian cooking, or ginger bread or cookies :)
Try the link below. It lists all different kinds of spices and what they can be used for.
Happy eating!
I had the same problem when I was learning how to cook as a kid and I was given this list to post on my fridge from my cooking instructor. It helped me alot and I hope it will do the same for you. Now not all the spices listed will be ones you use, so highlight the ones you do have so you know the best uses for them. Also date spices as you get them, most have a shelf life of 6 months to a yr.
Some basic spices that usually work well together:
Basil, oregano= Italian
Cumin, chile powder, cayenne,cilantro=Mexican
Coriander, Nutmeg, Ginger, Curry=Asian
Tarragon is great in egg salad or on chicken
Rosemary and thyme work really well w/ chicken or Beef
Dill and lemon are great for any kind of fish or shellfish
Mint is great in sweets but also good on lamb, in a spring roll or even in baby peas.
There are no rules, just good flavor!