Spices - What I Wish I Knew Before

As a recent graduate from Central Michigan University, I remember standing in the spice aisle at the grocery store wondering what the heck I should buy.

It was very hard knowing what was an absolute necessity for a college girl who wanted to cook on her own. I tried remembering what my mother and father said I should always have on hand, but my brain only recalled so much.

Thankfully, I recently ran across an article online that told me what spices to have in the cupboard. (If I only had it back then! - However, I hope it will help some of you now)

Most of the spices were what my parents told me to get, but the article took it a bit further and suggested spices for Italian, Mexican, Asian and Indian cuisines.

Hopefully, this post will help fill your cupboards if you're just starting out as a college student (or simply need a helpful suggestion). McCormick is a great brand that carries most, if not all, of these suggestions.

I know the recipes I plan on posting in the future involve many of them - so stock up!

13 Spices to Always Keep On Hand
-- Basil*
-- Garlic Powder*
-- Minced Onion
-- Onion Powder*
-- Chili Powder*
-- Cinnamon*
-- Oregano*
-- Ground Ginger*
-- Dill Weed
-- Paprika
-- Rosemary*
-- Thyme*
-- Vanilla Extract

10 Helpful Italian Seasonings
-- Basil*
-- Marjoram
-- Rosemary*
-- Thyme*
-- Oregano*
-- Mint
-- Parsley*
-- Sage
--Tuscan Blend Seasoning
-- Italian Seasoning

10 Helpful Mexican Seasonings
-- Chili Powder*
-- Garlic Powder*
-- Cilantro
-- Oregano*
-- Parsley*
-- Cinnamon*
-- Cumin
-- Chipotle Seasoning
-- Southwest Seasoning
-- Mexican Seasoning

8 Helpful Asian Seasonings
-- Garlic Powder*
-- Onion Powder*
-- Asian Seasoning
-- Lemon Grass (also available in paste form - ask your local grocer)
-- Ground Ginger*
-- Turmeric*
-- Poppy Seeds
-- Sesame Seeds

7 Helpful Indian Seasonings
-- Cinnamon*
-- Cardamom
-- Coriander
-- Ground Ginger*
-- Celery Seed
-- Anise Seed
-- Turmeric*

(* Denotes a repeat spice - don't buy two of them!)