Spices?

[Alida]

I love to cook.  I have so many spices from all over the world that I know I'm spoiled. 

That said, I have a friend who has NO spices.  I mean, literally nothing.  Maybe salt.  I'm not sure what would be considered "basic" spices for someone just setting up their kitchen.  DH and I both brought stock with us when we married years ago (we both love to cook).

I want to send a "starter kit."  What would you suggest I put in it?

[DottyG]

This is what you're looking for:  http://www.nathankramer.com/spice/right.htm

And, I'd add in sea salt - NOT the blue/white box stuff and ground peppercorns.

[MDefarge]

GARLIC, parsley, onion, basil, oregano, rosemary, cinimmon, ginger.  Those are the most basic ones that BF and I use almost daily.  

[Alida]

This is what you're looking for:  http://www.nathankramer.com/spice/right.htm

And, I'd add in sea salt - NOT the blue/white box stuff and ground peppercorns.

Hm - yeah, that and Kosher salt, which I find much better than anything else for cooking.  Thank you for the link   It's a good one!

[Alida]

GARLIC, parsley, onion, basil, oregano, rosemary, cinimmon, ginger.  Those are the most basic ones that BF and I use almost daily. 

Thank you!  That's just what I'm looking for!  What typical cooking for an American would require

[Bijou]

This is what you're looking for:  http://www.nathankramer.com/spice/right.htm

And, I'd add in sea salt - NOT the blue/white box stuff and ground peppercorns.

Here are my staple spices and herbs (and a few other things): 
Garlic powder (not garlic salt)
Celtic or some other kind of sea salt
Whole peppercorns and a grinder
Chili Powder  (I use Grandma's brand)
Whole dried Chilies de arbol
Cayenne powder
Paprika
A good bottle of blended of Italian Seasoning (My favorite is McCormick Gourmet collection)
Dried Oregano leaves
Cardamom, the whole green pods
Ground Coriander
Ground Cumin
Ground Cinnamon
Ground Allspice
Ground Ginger
Powdered Thyme
Powdered Marjoram
Madras Curry Powder
Whole and ground Cloves
Whole mustard seeds
Dry mustard
Star Anise
Fennel seeds
Nutmeg
Dried basil leaves
I also keep fresh lemons and limes on hand at all times, as well as lots of fresh garlic, Purple onions, extra virgin olive oil, Kalamata Olives, Sun dried tomatoes, Cans of good chicken broth.

I'm getting hungry.  We have to go to dinner tonight at a meeting and they're having meatloaf...Darn it!  I hate meatloaf! 

[Alida]

I'm getting hungry.  We have to go to dinner tonight at a meeting and they're having meatloaf...Darn it!  I hate meatloaf! 

ROFLOL!  You sound like my daughter - and I serve meatloaf about once every six months.

Thank you for the list

[IndianInlaw]

Mrs. Dash.

[Specky]

Check out Penzey's.  www.penzeys.com

[Just Lori]

You have some wonderful suggestions.  I'd also suggest a few seasoning blends, like Italian or Cajun.  Maybe you could find an online recipe and mix up a few from your own private spice collection for an extra personal gift.  They come in handy when you're in a hurry, and they can be adjusted with extra seasonings as needed.

[pryncsskittyn]

BAKEWELL.
I know it's tacky, but if it's a starter cook, who is looking to learn to make things, Bakewell has a GREAT biscuit recipe on it and can be substituted for baking powder.

I also found an "Italian Spice" made by McCormick that's great for just about anything, it's mostly oregano and basil, but a couple others thrown in.  I  use it often for a "quick" sesasoning of things like chicken and porkchops, especially if I use plain bread crumbs on them.

Good luck to your friend, you could also send over a couple simple recipes for basic cooking, chicken and a pot roast recipe for example.

[Alida]

BAKEWELL.
I know it's tacky, but if it's a starter cook, who is looking to learn to make things, Bakewell has a GREAT biscuit recipe on it and can be substituted for baking powder.

What is Bakewell?

[Alida]

Keeping in mind that this is for someone who doesn't do a lot of cooking from scratch, I think the "starter box" will consist of:

Garlic Salt
Cinnamon
Parsley
Oregano
Chili Powder
Seasoned Salt
Minced Onion
Basil
Bay Leaf
Sage
Garlic Powder
Ginger
Paprika
Rosemary
Thyme

This looks like the most basic list for me to send her

[pryncsskittyn]

What is Bakewell?

It's like baking powder, usually found wherever you can buy baking powder. It's a leavening agent.  I'm honestly not sure WHAT it is, I just know my Mom swears by it and won't use anything else.  It makes the best biscuits.  I can't make biscuists with anything else, no matter how hard I try, they always come out like little hockey pucks.

[aline]

Check out Penzey's.  www.penzeys.com

I second this - their spices are excellent, not too expensive, and they have a great section of gift boxes with a variety of choices. Also, when you order online, they usually throw in a free sample, and you receive their monthly catalog which has a lot of good recipes and hints for using their spices & seasonings.