Let's spice things up!

I really do depend on my supply of  dried spices and herbs.  I haven't counted them, but I have quite a few in my pantry.  I also keep a few more fragile ones in my freezer.   I won't list them all, because it's quite an extensive list. 







I buy almost all of my dried spices and herbs online, both because they are much fresher than what I can buy in the grocery store, and because I can buy them cheaper.  For the ones I use frequently, I buy them in bags.  I replenish my spice jars out of those bags and store the rest of the bag in the freezer.  I buy from a company called Penzey's, (no affiliation to this company).  Because I subscribe to their magazine, (free), I almost always have a coupon for a free spice or herb.  Most of the time they also tuck a second free item in my order.  I have found many spice blends that I love because they were sent to me as a  freebie. 


I also buy their vanilla beans and make my own vanilla extract.  The vanilla beans are very pricey, but I just combine them with cheap vodka, and it comes out much cheaper and better than store bought vanilla.  This makes a great gift also. 

If I didn't have my pantry full of dried spices and herbs, my meals would not be nearly as tasty.  I also use fresh herbs and will soon be planting some of my favorites.