TIP TUESDAY: Spice It Up!

As the holidays approach, consider giving spices as gifts to those in your life who enjoy cooking or even those who are novices in the kitchen. Having a fully stocked spice cabinet will inspire them to experiment in the kitchen. And if you play your cards right, you could be on the guest list to reap the benefits.

Gorgeous & Something for Everyone (Photo from www.thespicehouse.com)

Spices are a versatile gift. They work equally well for men and women. They promote creativity. Lots of spice retailers carry gift sets this time of year. Some include their most popular blends. Some are cuisine specific. You can even create your own gift box. And as spices require replacement every six months to a year to prevent them from going stale, anyone who ventures into the kitchen is going to either need some or need them replaced.

If you are lucky enough to get some spicy gifts, make sure you store your bounty properly: in a cool, dry, dark place. Keep them in air tight containers or ziplock bags. Personally, I prefer glass jars with removable sticker labels.

Fabulous Holiday Gift (Photo from www.pollenranch.com)

There is still plenty of time to shop online. Consider one of my favorite spice retailers for gifts of unusual spices:
- Penzey’s Spices
- The Spice House
- Pollen Ranch
- The Scrumptious Pantry

Or try your hand in making your own spiced finishing salts for a unique do-it-yourself gift anyone can appreciate. Follow these simple instructions and create your own flavors. I have successfully made garlic-lime, chili-citrus, Szechuan peppercorn, lemon-pepper and ginger flavored salts.

Spice up your holidays and someone else’s this season!

My name is Tatiana or call me Gourmet Rambler. I love food too much to be skinny. I am too loud, too sarcastic, tell too many inappropriate jokes and watch too much reality TV. I am not dainty or graceful unless I am cooking AND eating! Hungry? Want more? Follow me on twitter at Gourmet Rambler.

Written by Food Editor ~ Gourmet Rambler

Tatiana is better known by her twitter handle, Gourmet Rambler. She is a bon vivant and a connoisseur of all things delectable ~ whether a gorgeous bottle of wine, an exquisitely elaborate meal, fresh farmer’s market produce or unique and unusual ingredients. Tatiana is an adamant advocate for the artistry of a chef, local and seasonal products. A chef once said: “There is a way that everyone else eats. And then there is this whole other world of how Gourmet Rambler eats.” Lover of Chicago, experienced diner, wine maven and home chef. Sassy and stubborn. That is why we love having Gourmet Rambler as our Food Editor!

Tatiana is a contributor to FOOD FRIDAY on theBrideScoop where she writes about her dining adventures.

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