Spices

A little bit of spice can go along way to adding flavor to any dish. Breakfast, lunch, supper, and snacks could all use a little spice in them. A dash of cinnamon on your oatmeal in the morning, a little pepper on your chicken sandwich at lunch, and lots of chili powder in your tacos at supper! Spices are quite beneficial to health, many contain large amounts of antioxidants and other good nutrients. And there certainly is no shortage of variety on spices. Don't be afraid to experiment with some new and exotic spices. Most spices come in a fine powder form in either small jars or resealable bags, but some come in larger forms, which may need to be crushed before using to reduce the intensity of the spice. Spices never really go bad, and can last for years, but they lose their flavor after a year or so. It is best to buy spices in small quantities more often for a fresher flavor. It is always nice to have a variety of spices on hand. Some spices are much stronger than others, so always add a little at first and then taste to see how strong your dish is. You don't want the spice to overpower your dish. When paired with complementary foods, spices do wonders! Ginger and orange, cinnamon and chocolate, and honey and mustard are three perfect examples. Here is a list of all of the spices I can think of!

• Ginger, Allspice, Cinnamon, Cardamom, Cloves, Nutmeg, Black Pepper
• Red Pepper, Chili Powder, Garlic Powder, Five Spice, Turmeric
• Mustard Powder, Thyme, Saffron, Tarragon, Poultry Seasoning
• Chinese Spice Mix, Paprika, Basil, Oregano, Rosemary, Anise, Cayenne Pepper
• Cilantro, Dill, Mace, Marjoram

PHOTO CREDIT:"spices1.jpg"   http://rakhealthmatters.wordpress.com/2010/03/14/check-your-spice-rack/  . Health Matters, n.d. Wednesday, May 2, 2012.