Spices anyone?

[Singswimsew]

There is a Penzey’s directly across the street from my workplace. I really should go over and check it out.

[HImom]

We use Monterey Steak seasoning on beef. It’s like a fancier blend of salt & pepper. Costco has it in huge plastic containers and we use one in 18 months or so.

[prezbucky]

My steak prep is this:

• Dribble on some Worcestershire and rub both sides of the steak with it
• Sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder – again, both sides
• Let rest in the fridge 1-2 hours prior to cooking
• Let it rest on the counter to warm up a bit before putting it in a hot skillet or onto a grill

If I’m cooking it in a skillet, I’ll finish it by basting it with butter/thyme/garlic. Then I pour the rest of that butter sauce over the steak upon plating.

[mathmom]

I couldn’t possibly count my spices! I have the ones that I use often and aren’t too tall on three open shelves, ones I use regularly but are too tall in a cabinet near the stove on a Lazy Susan, and then Indian and some other Asian (mostly Japanese) spices are all in another cupboard, then finally I have a shallow box of less used spices in my pantry. I label the lids. I keep spices until they don’t smell.

Spices mixtures I use regularly:
Za’atar (sprinkle it on roasted veg, bagels, scrambled eggs, pita etc)
Rose Harrisa
Garam Masala (I have at least three blends)
Panch phoran
Various BBQ mixes DH collects
A few of the salad dressing blends from Penzeys

[Bromfield2]

I grow a fair number of herbs and use them fresh or I dry them. My deck garden has: basil (two types), dill, oregano, thyme, marjoram, sage, rosemary, tarragon, bay leaves, cilantro, and Italian parsley. I also grow lavender, spearmint, and chamomile. I switch up what I plant each year. I’m too lazy to start from seed, so I buy from an organic farm stand that’s nearby.

[DeeCee36]

My two recent favorites are za’atar and ras el hanout. No tips for prolonging shelf life because we burn through them.

If any foodie CCers are within reasonable distance of NYC, I highly recommend a visit to Kalustyan’s next time you’re in the city. Their spice offerings are incredible. They also have online ordering, but the experience of browsing the aisles is not to be missed.