If you watch this quick video of Chef Emirl Lagasse, you’ll get the gist of how I cook in 20 seconds. Click HERE to jump right to the Menu Planning and Recipes for this week. Or, just keep reading for “the rest of the story.” One day years ago, I realized how much I am tuned-in to the stimulation of my senses. I love using my sight to enrapture me with the beauty of nature, with art, and capturing the wonderment of life. I love listening to music, and marvel as some of it reaches way down deep inside of me. I love to use my sense of touch to translate the physical external into the areas of the soul. Now, can we get to taste?? I have no recollection of when the desire to experience the multifaceted dimensions of flavor started. It may have been the first time I had a hot pepper, or hot sauce.
I started to learn about herbs, how they grew, which herb went best with main dish ingredients. While my garden size is a bit diminished, I still grow much of our herbs. Sage, Rosemary, Thyme and Oregano are perennials that we can pick fresh practically year around. In the outdoor growing season, we always grow Basil and Jalapeno Peppers, with varied success. Tarragon and Parsley have carried over the winter occasionally, always a treat to see them going strong after a long winter.
Then, the Coup’ de Gras – our indoor, year-around AeroGarden herb garden. Totally hydroponic, easy to care for, this little guy produces copious amounts of fresh herbs; right now we have two types of Basil, and Mint, which far outlasted the Oregano, Parsley and Thyme. During the bland months of winter, a small handful of Basil in a green salad just makes the whole thing dance in your mouth.
And we haven’t even started talking about Spices! The brightness and depth they can bring to meals is simply the difference between a frozen TV dinner and your mother’s cooking. As I tried one spice, I had to try the next, and the next, and the next. Now, as you can see, we have two drawers full of spices and dried herbs. In my Recipes and Menu planning page, you’ll see Zucchini and Spinach Chilaquiles. You may notice that we have always raved about it … BUT, we “made it our own” by adding ground meat and the six spices at the top of the page that made it turn from Good to GREAT! Note there are no measurements for these spices, just add according to your taste. Click here for the recipe.
Here are a few of my must-have spices:
Granulated Onion & Granulated Garlic So easy to add another layer of flavor! I always use them on roasted chicken, in soups and stews, and as my inspiration dictates.
Chili Powder … which should include Medium and hot Chili Powder, Ground Chipotle and let’s just throw in Cayenne for fun. Adding a half-teaspoon of one of these to a boring dish will indeed “kick it up a notch. POW!”
Cumin It’s not “Mexican” if it doesn’t have Cumin in it! Also good on chicken.
Jerk Seasoning – but please, do me a favor. If you don’t make your own, PLEASE look for a salt-free version! They are typically scary-high in sodium, and we don’t want anything bad to happen to anyone.
Curry Haha, “curry.” There must be 100,000 recipes for curry, regional variations on down to grandma’s recipe. Right now we have 10 spice jars with different curries in them. Curries can be anywhere from mild to burn-your-face-off. Do a bit of homework, then find something with more than the word Curry on it.
Herbs and Spices! Growing up, my dad was a “meat-and-potatoes” guy, salt and pepper only. Mom had a few tins of herbs in red-and-white tins – Shilling? – that were primarily used for stuffing in the Thanksgiving turkey. That and a dash of cinnamon for her home-made applesauce. Spicy spices were never even a thing, and still aren’t for some family members. But now, here I am, clearly an herb and spice addict, always wanting more. More layers of flavors, using alchemy to synthesize a whole new dimension in taste. Onward, fearless cooks! Be generous with the herbs and spices you employ to bring enjoyment to those around you. Now, let’s get cooking!
P.S. Our FAVORITE place to buy herbs and spices is online, from Penzy’s. I can’t recommend them enough! What herbs or spices other than the above are in your “must have” list? Asking for a friend…
I Am Gray 
Although I have yet to start cooking with you, when the stars align and the time is right, I will. Meanwhile, I am reading your blog with great interest! You are such a wonderful writer, and you make the kitchen dance! Thank you so much.
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Thanks for taking the time to read them! And I always appreciate shares and forwards to friends and family.
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I so enjoy reading your posts!!! I also have a multitude of spices, but do not have the same level of intimacy with mine that you do with yours, mores the pity. I clearly remember Mom telling me that Paprika was just to add color, it didn’t have flavor, so I would taste a dish with it sprinkled on top!!
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