Upping The Ante On My Spices...

Fresh, ground spices

Oregano, parsley, turmeric...oh my!!! I LOVE everything about spices and herbs. The color, the smell, the way they can completely transform blah foods into something with so many levels of flavor.

Here is how I currently store my extra spices since
 I don't have a lot of room in my kitchen.
I just love the warms colors. 

This year y'all I'm stepping up my spice and herb game. So come on and join me! (btw a spice video is coming soon)

I'm gonna go all exotic and try things I've never cooked with before.  My palette is getting so excited just thinking about it.

My first field trip will be to Savory Spice Shop in Raleigh, NC (wouldn't you so want to go into this  little cute shop if you were strolling down the street on a lazy Sunday afternoon??)

Savory Spice Shop

The Savory Spice Store sells all kind of spices, herbs, seasoning and extracts.  All spices are grounded fresh on site in small weekly batches.  Love that!! Check them out online.

First on my list of spices to try is:

Cassia Buds

Cassia Buds:  These are the unopened flowers from the cassia (cinnamon) tree. They look like small cloves. The flavor is close to cinnamon but with a more floral, wine-like scent. (I'm ready to try this with my Fall baking and I bet this would taste DIVINE in lattes! Can't wait!)

Za'tar

Za'tar: Mixture of sumac, sesame seeds and other herbs. Commonly used in the Middle East and often mixed with olive oil. (I think I tasted this when I was in Israel and LOVED it)

Arrowroot Powder: Often used in Caribbean cooking as a thickener for gravies, sauces and pies. It is more easily digested that other thickeners.  (I'm anxious to try another thickener beside the common flour and cornstarch)

Those are just a few spices first up on my list!!

What are your favorite spices and what spices would you like to try???