This page contains money saving food tips and information about herbs and spices.
Substitute for SaffronSaffron can be very expensive. There are a few things you can use for the bright yellow color and a similar flavor of saffron. This is a page about substitute for saffron.
Herb and Spice Charts for Your RefrigeratorMost of us decorate the front of our refrigerators with magnets and pictures and if you have small children in the house, yours is covered with small plastic letters spelling out all kinds of words. Well, I have a craft project for you that will make your refrigerator a one stop for reference.
Glass Shaker ImprovementI love having cinnamon and sugar, powdered sugar, etc in a shaker on hand. Some problems I have come across are clumping, spilling and can attract critters. With my upgrade my shaker no longer has any of those problems.
Shower Caddy Spice RackA reg shower caddy from dollar tree. I bent it over to loop over the cabinet door. However you can use screws or nail to hang it on or use command strip hooks. It fits neatly away when not needed. Just open the door to reveal your spices.
Microwave Tray Spice HolderMy 11 year old microwave died and I salvaged the ring and glass tray from it and made a spice holder, using clear caulk to hold the ring in place. I placed the glass tray upside down on top of the ring, drew a 'template' of where the clear caulk needed to go, let it dry overnight, and it worked for holding the ring/tray in place.
Using Annatto SeedAnnatto seed is used as a red food coloring and for flavoring. Annatto is used for coloring cheeses such as cheddar and also for butter. Most often found in Caribbean, Latin American and Filipino cuisine.
Salt and Pepper Tips and TricksThis basic seasoning combination plays a central role in most kitchens worldwide. This page contains salt and pepper tips and tricks.
Uses for Fresh MintSpearmint and peppermint are hardy herbs that can be grown outside for much of the year. This is a page about uses for fresh mint.
Trader Joe's "Everything But the Bagel" Seasoning ReviewsThis delicious seasoning is great on more than just toasted bagels. This page contains Trader Joe's "Everything But the Bagel" seasoning reviews.
Using Fresh BasilThis bright green leafy herb comes in many varieties. Fresh basil is commonly added to Italian, Thai and Vietnamese dishes. This is a page about using fresh basil.
Ginger Syrup RecipeGinger is a popular flavoring for sodas, teas and other drinks. It would also be great to use in recipes instead of powdered ginger. This page contains a recipe for ginger syrup.
Making Copycat Herb and Spice Mixes at HomeBy reading the ingredients on commercial spice mixes, you can make your own seasoning blends. This is a page about making copycat herb and spice mixes at home.
Buying Bulk SpicesOne way to save on your food budget is to buy your spices in bulk. They are available this way from various markets and on-line. This is a page about buying bulk spices.
Using Vanilla BeansVanilla beans can be added to a variety of recipes for food and beverages. This is a page about using and storing vanilla beans.
Recipes Using RosemaryRosemary adds a delicious piney flavor to any dish. This is a page about recipes using rosemary.
Making Homemade Lemon-Pepper SeasoningThis is a page about making homemade lemon-pepper seasoning. Combining your own choice of herbs and spices can save you money and give you the flavor you desire.
Chopping Fresh Basil LeavesI love watching a few of the cooking shows. More than just the recipes, I enjoy watching the quick short cuts the Chef's have to cutting, dicing and preparing meals. Easy and terrific.
Homemade Herb and Spice MixesThis is a page about homemade herb and spice mixes. Copycats of many commercial seasonings can be mixed with fresh herbs and spices at home.
Making Infused OilsServing your own homemade flavored oil can be delicious, and inexpensive to make. This is a page about making infused oils.
Preparing Fresh HerbsThis is a page about preparing fresh herbs. You can buy fresh herbs at the grocery, farmer's market, or harvest them from your garden. Next you need to prepare them for adding to your recipes.
Storing Vanilla BeansThis is a page about storing vanilla beans. Proper storage will keep your vanilla beans from drying out.
Uses for Ramen Seasoning PacketsThis is a page about using ramen seasoning packets. Don't toss out the unused seasoning packets from ramen noodle packages, they can be used to season other recipes.
Uses for Vanilla ExtractThis is a page about uses for vanilla extract. The essence of the vanilla bean has a wonderful smell and flavor. There are a variety of ways to use it.
Using AllspiceThis is a page about using allspice. A dried berry spice that is used in many different cuisines, and has a variety of medical uses. Allspice is mainly produced in Jamaica.
Using BaharatThis is a page about using baharat. A blend of spices used in many Middle Eastern cuisines and can also be used as a condiment.
Pairing Herbs with VegetablesThis page is about pairing herbs with vegetables. Fresh or dried herbs and spices can make vegetables even more delicious, and many combinations go famously together.
Preserving Mint?This page is about preserving mint. A fragrant herb that grows well in many gardens is great to save for use year round.
Using Adobo SeasoningA distinctive spice mixture that is a blend of garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, pepper, cumin, chilis and other spices. This page is about using adobo seasoning.
Using PeppercornsThis is a page about using peppercorns. Rather than buying ground pepper, you can also buy peppercorns. They are available in white, pink, green, and the well known black. Peppercorns are of course used in cooking, but they are also known for their medicinal properties.
Ground Spices vs. Fresh Spices?This page is about ground spices vs. fresh spices. The presence of fresh spices can sometimes taste better than convenience, dried ground spices.
Using HorseradishThis page is about using horseradish. A pungent root that has been cultivated since antiquity for its culinary and medicinal uses, and care must be taken when preparing it for use.
Making Mushroom PowderThis is a page about making mushroom powder. Mushroom powder is great to use for flavoring when making soups and gravies.
Uses for Fennel Stalks?This is a page about uses for fennel stalks. We often think of only using the fennel bulbs.
Preserving Fresh CilantroThis page is about preserving fresh cilantro. Finding the best way to keep this herb, also know as coriander, will let you use it in meals year round.
Drying CilantroThis is a page about drying cilantro. Cilantro from the garden or extra from the market and easily be dried for future usage.
Using Lime LeavesThis is a page about using lime leaves. Lime leaves can be used to add a touch of lime flavor to food or beverages.
Homemade Chili PowderIf you've grown or bought fresh chilies, you can dry and powder them to make your own seasoning. This page is about homemade chili powder.
Peeling GarlicWhen you use fresh garlic in a recipe, there are a few tricks that will help make peeling it easier. This is a page about peeling garlic.
Making Garlic PowderThis page is about making garlic powder. It is convenient to have garlic available in powder form.
Cooking With Herbs and SpicesThis page contains tips for cooking with herbs spices. To enjoy the use of seasonings, it helps to know how best to use them.
Storing Citrus ZestThis is a page about storing citrus zest. If you make your own citrus zest to use in cooking, you may be wondering how to store the excess.
Storing PaprikaThis is a page about storing paprika. Paprika loses its color and flavor if stored improperly, as do other spices.
Cooking With HerbsThis page is about cooking with herbs. Whether fresh or dried, herbs can enhance most every dish.
Saving Money on SpicesThis is a page about saving money on spices. Packaged spices can be very expensive, but there are some shopping tips that can help you save money on spices.
Substitution for Onion PowderThis is a page about a substitution for onion powder. You are making a recipe calling for onion powder only to discover you have run out.
Recipes Using CinnamonThis page contains recipes using cinnamon. Cinnamon is a common ingredient in sweet and savory dishes, both in its ground and stick form.
Starter Spice Rack Suggestions?This page contains starter spice rack suggestions. Confused about what to include in your first spice rack?
Recipes Using MintThis page contains recipes using mint. Mint adds a fresh, crisp flavor and aroma to many beverages and recipes.
How Long Do Dried Herbs and Spices Last?This page is about how long do dried herbs and spices last? Herbs and spices sit on the shelf for a long time, but their flavor and texture can change.
Seasoning Suggestions for Microwave Fries?Anyone have any seasoning suggestions for microwave fries?
Preserving Herbs in Olive Oil?I once saw a post of how to process basil, cilantro, and parsley in a food processor with olive oil, but I forgot what else. I did it once and it lasted me a while in the fridge. I loved the idea, but I have since lost the instructions for how to do it.
Save Hot Pepper SeedsWhen you are chopping up hot peppers of any kind for cooking, canning, or drying, save the seeds. Separate as many as you can from the pith, but don't use the pith. Line a baking sheet or pie pan with wax paper and put the seeds in it.
Dehydrating Herbs and Spices?What kind of dehydrating equipment is good for drying herbs or spices?
Keeping Spices FreshThis is a page about keeping spices fresh. Some spices store better than others, but fresh spices are always best. Storing your herbs and spices properly is the best way to keep them fresh, especially with expensive spices like vanilla bean and saffron.
Determining Whether Spices Are Still GoodThis is a page about determining whether spices are still good. Almost every cook gets a full rack of prefilled spice jars at some point, but few use them all up. Here are tips for making sure that the herbs and spices you cook with are not too old to properly season your food.
Homemade Rice-a-Roni Herb Mixes?Does anyone have a homemade recipe for the herbs in Rice a Roni? I would like to use brown rice instead of the white rice in most of their boxes.
What is Cilantro?Can you please explain to me what cilantro is? There is a nice recipe from Robin which uses cilantro and I have to idea what this is.
Can I Use Catnip in Place of Mint When Cooking?We have what I think is wild catnip growing on our land, at least my cats like it. My question is, is catnip OK to cook with in place of mint. If so, are they the same plant?
Making Homemade Spices?I am making spices for gifts. Do I need to do anything special to the jar that I am storing it in if I am using Parmesan cheese? Will it be OK if I do not refrigerate the contents?
Saving Herbs and Spices?How can you preserve herbs, i.e., dill, basil, parsley, rosemary, sage, etc. so that you can use it throughout the winter months.
Recipes Using Fresh Tarragon?I just started to grow French tarragon this summer, and I have a big pot full. I only have it in a pot, but it is lovely. Any uses, recipes, ideas? I plan on bringing it in for the winter, like all of my other babies.Thanks.
What Can You Do With Leftover Herbs?I love fresh herbs, garden grown and store bought, but I DO NOT like having to waste what isn't used. So this is what I do after cleaning and separating what is necessary for the recipe.
Use Onion Powder on Individual ServingsSince I am the only person in my family that likes onions in my food, I use the dried onion powder in the spice section and sprinkle it on my food only. You could use this to save on the cost of buying onions.
What is the Best Temperature for Storing Herbs?What is the ideal temperature for storing the herbs?
Product Review: Baldridge SeasoningWe have used this spice for 20 years and would be lost without it. It is the greatest on meats. Makes popcorn a real treat for a change of flavor.
Using Basil?Please advise me of ideas on using fresh basil. Thank you.
Vanilla Bean Recipes?I'm looking for recipes using vanilla beans; any suggestions? Thanks.
Measuring From a Pepper GrinderWe like to use the sea salt and pepper grinders that are found in the grocery stores, but when I had to measure for a recipe it was awkward. One day I came up with a very workable solution.
Preparing Dried Cayenne Peppers For Cooking?How do you process fresh cayenne pepper?
Use Onion Salt With Mashed PotatoesNext time you make mashed potatoes, use onion salt in place of plain salt. Really makes a difference (a very tasty one)
What Is Cavaner's Seasoning?Could you tell me what Cavander's seasoning is? We don't have it in Australia. Can you recommend a substitute.
Keeping Sage Leaves For Cooking?I have a sage plant that died and the leaves have dried up. They smell gloriously when crumbled. I'd like to keep the leaves for cooking, but am not sure as how to go about it. I feel that they should be disinfected somehow, but how do you do this to dried up leaves still on a plant in the ground?
Keeping Salt and Sugar Free Flowing?What can I do to keep my salt and sugar shakers pouring? I am having a hard time with moisture right now.
Keeping Spice Holes from Plugging UpI used to have a lot of problems with the spice holes plugging up. Then, I realized it was because of steam. So now, I season my pots and pans that have cool oil or water, then turn on the heat. It sure has made a difference!
Mark The Top Of Spice JarsI keep my spices in a drawer. I usually had very little, if any, problems finding what I wanted. I kept them by sizes and remembered what was in a big or little bottle.
Are Sage Seeds Edible?Both of my sage plants bloomed. What's now left projecting from the plant are dried up stalks with little black seeds in brown seed heads/capsules. I am familiar with using dried sage leaves from the grocery store, but not the seeds. Are they edible? How to prepare for cooking?
Using Apple Pie SpiceA pre-made spice mix intended for apple pie. Usually containing Allspice, Nutmeg and cinnamon. Good in French toast, fruit salad, coffee cake and cookies.
Website for Homemade SeasoningsA friend sent me a wonderful site for homemade seasonings. I just wanted to share with everyone. here is the link:
Aniseed Extract?Does anyone have any ideas on how to make aniseed extract? Any help would be appreciated.
Chervil Information (Anthriscus cerefolium)Chervil is an herb in the parsley family. It has a distinct anise
flavor. Some describe its flavor as a cross between tarragon and
citrus. It has dark green curly leaves.
Buying GingerBefore I bought the spice Ginger, I wanted to try it. It costs $3.59 for the small jar! The produce manager suggested to break off a piece of the "root" and try that! I bought a piece about the size of a finger for 12 cents! Twice the amount I needed for my recipe!
The Best Place To Buy Vanilla Beans?Recently there was a tip on how to make your own vanilla extract. Does anyone have an idea of where is the best place to get the vanilla beans?
Real Vanilla - How can you buy it inexpensively?I need a source for inexpensive real vanilla. Gordon's Food Service is about the most inexpensive but it's watery and I don't like the flavor.
Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum)This summer, why not try some fresh herbs to add to your meals. They are virtually caloric free, fat free and extremely flavorful.
Here is one of my favorites:
Seasoned Pepper and Texas Toast?Do you know of a recipe for homemade seasoned pepper, Bon Appetit Seasoning and/or a bread recipe for Texas Toast?
Make a Spice Bag with a Coffee FilterI am in the process of making pear butter this week and will be making pumpkin butter next week. My recipe said to place the spices in cloth and tie to make a spice bag. I didn't have any "cheese cloth" so I used a coffee filter and tied it with thread.
Using Herb ScissorsI am loving my new herb scissors by Ball. They have several blades so they chop up herbs into tiny bits in no time and really don't miss much. They come with a sheath/comb to get any stuck herbs out of the scissors. They are pretty cool and not very spendy.
Using Annatto SeedAnnatto seed is used as a red food coloring and for flavoring. Annatto is used for coloring cheeses such as cheddar and also for butter. Most often found in Caribbean, Latin American and Filipino cuisine.
Using AllspiceAllspice is a dried berry. It is very important in many cuisines around the world including Caribbean and Middle Eastern foods. In the west, it is usually used in desserts, but is also a main ingredient in barbecue sauce and chili and an important spice for making sausage.
Storing Fresh Ginger?How do I store fresh ginger and for how long?
Should I Salt Meat Before or After Cooking?Do you salt meat before it's cooked or after? I heard salting before or while cooking made meat tougher and not as juicy?
Ground Spices Versus Fresh?Are ground spices as good as the fresh ones?
Using Home Grown Herbs? I received a Chia herb garden kit as a gift and am growing parsley, basil, cilantro, and dill on my windowsill. The plants are doing well but I am wondering how big they have to get before I can start harvesting the herbs for cooking. I was also wondering if I can use my basic miracle grow houseplant food for the herbs or if I have to buy something special since the herbs will be used for cooking. Thanks for the help!
Substitute for Saffron?Substitute the petals of pot marigolds for expensive saffron. They have a similar pungent flavor and the same yellow color. Let the flower heads air-dry or dry them in a microwave, then grind them into a fine powder with a mortar and pestle.
Keeping Parsley Fresh?How do you keep parsley fresh for at least 3 weeks?
