Herbs and Spices
 

Buy them in bulk at your local health food store. Even if you don't normally shop there, it's worth the trip. You can buy just a smidgen or a cup, however much you want and measure it into a little bag, and it costs just a tiny fraction of what you'd pay at the supermarket. It's also much, much fresher and better tasting :)

I love buying bay leaves this way. They weigh so little they are almost free :) I also get all my flours, dried beans and grains in bulk. It's nice to buy the amount I need without paying a premium for a small package.

Herbs? Grow your own. A few pots and you are in business. I snip leaves every day to add to my food....they make something bland a feast!

Did you know that a few bay leaves keeps those little flying moth things out of your cupboards?

Last night I made my favorite meal--tacos! I crave them. But wouldn't you know it, I did not have the usual seasoning packets that I use. But I was able to use the spices in my cupboard to recreate it. I have never had the confidence to try that before. I'm now thinking that I have underestimated myself all along. BTW, the tacos were excellent and hit the spot. :)

rosemary is easy to grow, we have some in our apt growing in the window in a pot. it smells fantastic. bf has much more of a green thumb than I do, he actually even grew green peppers from seeds from one bought at the grocery store, we got a bunch of (small) peppers from that.

Hi! I'm in NYC too and I was wondering how they hold during the winter. Do you have them close to a window?

I really want to have some pots with fresh herbs, I do have a small patio but the problem is I'm on the third floor so is not easy keeping an eye, specially keeping an eye on my neighbor's kitties.

Thanks!

I'm in the Catskills (usually about 10 degrees colder than the city). I have a beautiful old rosemary. I put it on my porch in the summer, and in an unheated entranceway with good light during winter. It likes the cold, but not freezing.

Valentine's day is comming, so I thought it might be fun to list some herbs spices and scents that are thought to be aphrodisiacs:

First, According a study.. men like: pumpkin pie and lavender (together)
women: coconut and "good 'n plenty" (candy smell)

My favorites are Cardamon, Rose, Sandalwood, Orange Blossom and Jasmine.
What turns you on ?

I added some chopped cilantro to my salad greens today. I love the smell on my hands after I make fresh salsa.

I've tried growing herbs a couple times and I'm not the greatest at it :)

Also, I use a wide variety of spices. One of my tips would be to get with a friend or two and buy spices at an Indian market. You can get a large bag of spice for only a couple bucks. It will last forever though so you might want to split with a friend.