Spices and cooking goes hand in hand in order to create a flavorable dish. Whether you’re new to cooking or adding to your spice collection, I suggest starting with three spices. Black Pepper, Kosher Salt and Garlic Powder are stables in my spice collection and used in most of my recipes. People often think the more spices used, better the flavor. This is not always true, simple can go a long way.

Why Kosher Salt and not Iodized or Table Salt?

Kosher salt is better for cooking for many reasons. One main reason is that it does not contain iodine and the larger texture allows for better control when seasoning. Kosher salt also has a cleaner taste that iodized or table salt. Recipes that calls for a certain measurement of salt is meant for table salt not kosher. All of the recipes on Cooking with Merci has been prepared with kosher salt. I only use table salt for boiling water or baking. Table salt without iodine can be found in most grocery stores and doesn’t hurt to have both types in your spice cabinet.

Black Pepper vs White Pepper

Black pepper is more popular in cooking than white pepper. White pepper has more heat than black pepper and is used primarily in white sauces/ soups. In Asian cuisine, white pepper is used in most recipes. Fun Fact: White pepper is black pepper without the skin. White pepper typically loses it’s flavor quicker than black pepper. Black pepper has many proven health benefits which can be found by doing a simple online search.

I prefer to use black pepper corns instead of ground pepper because the flavor is more pronounced with fresh cracked pepper. Peppercorns can be purchased in a disposable grinder or in bulk then use in a refillable grinder. Both options can be found in your local grocer’s spice aisle.

Garlic Powder

Garlic powder is a great spice to use in a dry rub specifically for meats. This spice does not add heat does provide flavor enhancements to dishes. Garlic powder is common in most seasoning salt mixes due to its’ enhancing nature. Like black pepper, garlic powder also has many health benefits.

Building you spice cabinet

Building a spice collection requires patience and can be quite expensive. Try start with one or two spices and learn how to incorporate it in to your cooking. You will become familiar with the taste profiles and understand what works best in different dishes. If you have black pepper, kosher salt and garlic powder then you are prepared to try most of Merci’s recipes.

Happy Cooking and of course Happy Eating!!