Happy National Herbs and Spices Day!

June 9, 2020

Did you know? It’s “Herbs and Spices” Day!

One of my fav days of the year. Okay… not really, but do you ever ask yourself the question, “where would you be without salt?” Since I’m a super-food-nerd, I ask myself lots of weird food questions…

In all seriousness, salt is what has kept us alive and eating, for ages… [DYK? Salt was used as a natural preservative for meats, before refrigeration]!

Key Spice Points:

❶ Buy ‘em in small amounts. As much as I love @costco [everything], spices are something I don’t usually purchase in large containers.

❷ Salt will last indefinitely… but that’s about it.

❸ Whole spices [unground, such as peppercorns & whole allspice] will last 3-4 years.

❹ Ground spices [such as cumin, paprika & chili powder] will last 2-4 years.

❹ Ground and whole-leafy herbs [such as basil, oregano, rosemary & most seasoning blends] will last 1-3 years.

Also…

I’m a big “seasoner” [trust me, it’s a thing ????]. I usually grab whatever sounds good at the moment, but I want to share my “Top 4” that should be in EVERY pantry…

⓵ Kosher Sea Salt: My go-to for regular cooking. Pro Tip: You’ll want to salt “high and dry.” Meaning, your fingers are dry when you grab the salt and you’ll raise your hand about 12-18 inches above the substance you’re salting. That way, you see the salt “land,” so you don’t OVER-season.

⓶ Finishing Salt: Flaky & chunky and great for grilled veggies & meat. [I ❤️ @maldonsalt] The best application is to crush it between your thumb and index finger, so you get a nice chunk w/each bite.

⓷ @everything_but_the_bagel Seasoning: It’s great on eggs, rice, veggies & well… EVERYTHING!

⓸ Aglio Olio E Peperoncino: Compliments of @wholespice [discount link below????]! I promise, it will make everything you eat taste like a 5-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ restaurant. I discovered this blend at a little store near my mom’s house in Napa. Every time I visit her, I buy big bags of it. I use it on popcorn, avocado toast, eggs & the list goes on, and on, and on. It has red pepper w/flecks of green parsley, balanced w/just the right amount of crushed garlic & salt. It makes this Mediterranean-blend a kitchen essential. ????