The Spice Rack..your new best friend!

The more spices you have...the more flavor you create in gluten free cooking. For many years the recipes for GF cooking were bland and many people 15 years ago would say "it all tastes the same...I don't know why I bother" and things to that effect. Spices and blended spices that you create to work with and have on hand end those comments...whether you are making them yourself or others are thinking them in your family!

First get a good electric coffee grinder and use it only for grinding spices. Dedicate it for your spices.

Okay...Let's talk spice rack: I find that using the whole spice whether it is leaf or seed has more flavor when you take that ingredient and grind it to use. If it is a seed most likely you will heat it first, cool it then grind it...but there is no comparison when it comes to the flavor it will lend to your allergin free menus.

Leaves in the Spice Rack: If you can buy bulk and buy once a month so they are fresh..keep in air tight containers. Most can be found at grocery stores that have a bulk section or natural food stores.

Rosemary
Basil
Oregano
Thyme
Dill
Lovage - this herb tastes like celery and is a great addition to stews..try to find it in a natural food store or ask for it to be ordered for you.
Sage
Bay Leaf
Dried Kaffir Lime Leaves
Lemongrass - asian markets usually pre-ground and found in the freezer section - keep frozen
Chives

The Seeds of the Spice Rack: most grocery stores and natural food stores

Celery
Dill
Coriander
Mustard
Basil Seeds
Fennel
Red Pepper - will say seed or flakes


The Heat of the Spice Rack: most grocery stores and natural food stores

Ground Red Pepper
Ground Black Pepper
Ground White Pepper
Powdered Curry...Mild, Medium and Hot...also you can make your own curries and we will
Chilie Powder - Mild, Medium and Hot
Paprika - Mild, Medium and Hot
Hot Mustard Powder
Wasabi Powder - asian markets
Ginger Powder
Garlic Powder
Black Peppercorns
White Peppercorns
Brazilian Green Peppercorns - niche markets..sometimes found in good kitchen supply stores
French Red Rose Peppercorns - niche markets...sometimes found in good kitchen supply stores
- found in Indian markets or Middle Eastern Markets can purchase ground or whole seeds...I like whole seeds to grind when using

Holiday and Baking Spice Rack:
Cinnamon- ground and bark - most grocery stores and natural food stores
Cloves - grounds and whole - bulk grocery stores and natural food stores
Nutmeg - ground and whole - bulk grocery stores and natural food stores
'Star' Anise - whole seed pods - most grocery stores and natural food stores
Cardamom - whole pods and ground - most grocery stores and natural food stores

Off the Rack - Spice Rack: Niche markets; middle eastern markets; Mexican or Latin Markets and Asian Markets

Rose Buds...used in Persian cooking 'delightful flavor'
Rose water
Orange Water
Samabar - ground
Panch Puran - whole seed
Crystallized Ginger
Dried Orange Peel
Crystallized Orange Peel
Galangal - asian markets - ground
Saffron - European is best and very pricy...Mexican is a totally different flavor but less expensive
Annato - ground - Mexican or Latin grocery store