10 essential spices

Spices can be a real kitchen challenge. Their flavors can add so much interest to a dish, but they also present a world of questions: Which ones should I use with this meat or vegetable? Do I really need to buy that spice and risk throwing out an almost full jar a year from now? Can I substitute for a spice I really don’t like?

Food 52 has compiled a list of their 10 essential spices, with some suggestions on cooking with them, that should go a long way towards answering these questions. And since they start with cumin — one of our favorite all-time spices — we’re delighted to pass on this information.