Cooking with Spices

Exceptional, just what I was looking for. My mother was the best cook and used spices. I have inherited all her spice (now that she's gone). I love to eat spicy foods and well seasoned foods, but lately my cooking seems blah. I'm on a special diet to eliminate food allergies such as sugar & flour, so thought 'I'd better learn how to season my food. This book takes you through each spice, some I've never heard of, and tells you what each spice can be used for and how to prepare the spice and in what forms each spice can be purchased, such as whole, ground, etc. If you're looking for something simple, this is the book.

My grandmother taught me how to use herbs and spices and I also read up on how to use them as a kind of hobby. This is one of the cutest little books and it is just packed with information. If there was just information on spices, it would not be as interesting. Here, they include wonderful recipes. First you get a "Spice Know-How" lesson to help you figure out what spices really are, how to dry-roast them and the best ways to store them. The Spice Profiles section shows you say how to use saffron to bring out the most flavor or how to make chili oil. They also have info on paprika, cassia, cinnamon, turmeric, lemongrass (divine!) and cardamom. Then for the recipes! You will find Far East, Indian, North African, Middle Eastern, European, American and Caribbean treats! I have totally been looking for a Thai Shrimp Soup with Lemongrass recipe! No lies. There is was, just waiting for me to discover it. I have to mail order the lemon grass and it keeps very well in the freezer. The scent of lemongrass is so lovely. Other recipes you might enjoy: Beef Curry - always a favoriteChicken Satay with Peanut dipping sauceMixed Vegetable CurryMoroccan Spicy ChickenVenison with Green PeppercornsBolivia Corn PieJerked ChickenI was quite surprised with the variety of recipes and the gourmet pictures. If you have not yet discovered the joys of a mortar & pestle, this it the time to buy one! So, if the only time you get interested in spices is during Thanksgiving and Christmas...Baby, are you missing out! Spices and Herbs will make your cooking rock! Naomi Gesinger's review cracks me up! I didn't see anySpice Girls in this book either.