Beyond Coupons {Stocking the pantry with herbs and spices}

Cooking with the right spices can save you money.  How, you ask? 

• You will feel like Ree Drummond or Trisha Yearwood when you cook a fabulous meal from home.  When you feel good about what you cook, you tend to cook more and eat out less.

• You can be creative and experiment to find the right blends that your family enjoys.

• Your food will taste better!

What is the difference between an (a?) herb and a spice?  According to www.spiceislands.com an herb is the leafy part of the plant that you use to add flavorings to food and can be used fresh or dried.   A spice comes from another part of the plant, such as cinnamon (bark of a tree!) or even a root (ginger).  Ok, funny story time:

When I was a senior in high school I had my first job as a cashier at Food Lion in Starke.  I had to pass the "produce test" in order to earn my right to run the register.  So the manager, who I might add, was a grumpy, grumpy lady brought me a tray of produce and I had to identify it within so many seconds.  I had never, ever seen rhubarb or ginger root before and had no idea what it was.  Being the good student that I am, I took home colored photos of all things fruit, vegetable, or Indian name (name that game show!!!) to study.  I worked there for a solid year and only once or twice sold ginger root to anyone!

Here is a list of the top herbs and spices you should have on hand.  It just so happens that all of these are BOGO at Winn-Dixie this week! 

• Rosemary, dried and ground
• Bay leaves
• Basil
• Parsley
• Rubbed sage
• Thyme
• Oregano
• Dill
• Allspice (ground)
• Black Pepper
• Cinnamon
• Curry powder
• Cloves (ground)
• Powered Garlic
• Ginger
• Celery Powder or Salt
• Chili Powder
• Mustard (dry)
• Nutmeg
• Onion Powder
• Paprika

Extracts to have on hand:

• real vanilla.  For the love of cupcakes do NOT buy imitation vanilla.  Real vanilla at BOGO prices means I stock up!
• almond
• lemon