Spice Jars

Spice Jars

Spice Up Your Cooking

Does your cooking seem a little on the bland side? Many of us have a least one spice rack from last Christmas, but how often do you really use it? Creating a well-seasoned dish does take a bit of practice, but you have to be willing to work on the basis of trial and error. Read on for a few tips that you can use when venturing into the world of herbs and spices.

First, we will start out with using herbs. Below you'll find a list of herbs that are commonly found in store-bought spice racks, as well as examples of dishes that they compliment well. This is just a guide, so don't be afraid to experiment with the different herbs in your cupboard. With herbs, you can easily go by scent. Open up a jar—does it smell like it would go well with the dish you have in mind?

Basil: tomato sauces, pesto, vinaigrette
Bay Leaves: soups, marinades, sauces
Cardamom: pickling, but sometimes used in pastries
Celery Flakes: soups, salads, and dips
Celery Salt: pickling, potato salad, cole slaw
Coriander: pickling, meat, Oriental foods, curries
Dill Weed: soups, potatoes, fish, sauces
Italian seasoning: pizza sauce, spaghetti, lasagna
Marjoram: chicken, sausage, stew, soups, meat, potato, pizza and spaghetti sauces
Mint: lamb
Onion Salt: Italian dishes, soups, sauces
Oregano: Italian dishes, stew, soups, sauces
Parsley: potato dishes, eggs, soups, sauces
Rosemary: most roasted meat, stuffing
Sage: chicken, pork, stuffing
Thyme: meat dishes, sauces, clam chowder

Spices can be a bit trickier, as their scents are not nearly as pronounced as herbs, so you may just have to familiarize yourself to the individual flavor of each spice.

Allspice: Tastes like a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Baking, roasts, soups, sauces
Cayenne Pepper: meat, chili, Mexican and Louisiana-style foods, seafood (careful—a pinch or less is enough—this stuff is hot!)
Chili Powder: chili, stews, beef (hot)
Cinnamon: baking, hot drinks (cocoa, apple cider, chai)
Cloves: baking, ham (baked), desserts, marinades
Cumin: chili, meat
Curry Powder: mixture of Indian spices (turmeric, garlic, coriander, cumin, ginger) curries, meat, poultry, seafood, Oriental and Indian dishes
Garlic Salt: sauces, meat, poultry, pasta, soup
Ginger: chutney, preserves, Oriental and Indian foods
Lemon Pepper: salads, seafood, poultry, meat
Paprika: eggs, seafood, salad dressing, sauces
Red Pepper: sauces, meat (hot)
Turmeric: curries, meat, eggs

It seems like a lot to take in, but you'll get the hang of what each herb and spice can contribute to your dishes as you become familiar with the different flavor combinations. The best way to learn to use seasonings is to create a sauce or dish that you're familiar with. Once you've accomplished the "normal" flavor, mess around to create a particular flavor that suits you. For instance, try making spaghetti sauce from scratch rather than buying the ready-made stuff in a jar. You know what spaghetti SHOULD taste like, and this one is almost a fail-safe when learning to season from scratch. All you need is a few cans of tomato puree and your spice rack. You could use "Italian seasoning" if you have it, but it's kind of a cheat as far as seasoning goes. The basics for your spaghetti herbs should include basil, oregano or marjoram (or both, if you like, however oregano is simply wild marjoram), parsley, coriander (just a little), and thyme. From the spice shelf, just throw in a bit of garlic salt to taste and you're set!

Don't be afraid to be adventurous in the kitchen; all great chefs have to start somewhere, and learning the basics of herbs and spices will give you a great foundation.

About the Author

If you're looking for recipes, take a look at the Platinum Recipes Collection. The Platinum Recipes Collection is the Internet's Most Comprehensive Recipes Collection.

Spice Jars I $17.99 Laura Nathan Spice Jars I - Art Print

Spice Jars II $17.99 Laura Nathan Spice Jars II - Art Print

Spice Rack with Twelve Jars: C $45.3 11'' H x 6'' W This spice rack has a rotating base for easy access and two level space saving storage for your countertop or cupboard. Includes twelve glass jars (2.5 oz ea) with lids and snap on shaker caps, with a wide opening for easy filling.

Set of 3 Sunflower Ceramic Spice Jars $56 Enhance your kitchen decor with Italian accessories inspired by the Tuscan countryside. These three ceramic spice jars feature a classic sunflower design. Made in Italy.

Glass Replacement Spice Jars with Chrome Lid by RSVP $1.45 Storing spices for easy identification is easy with the 3 Ounce Replacement Spice Jars by RSVP. These clear glass jars provide you with a uniform system for spice storage. Each replacement glass jar features sprinkle and pour lid options to fill or sprinkle the contents more easily. Your spices remain fresh inside this replacement spice. The transparent glass of this glass jar allows you to identify the contents easily.These jars are replacements for the 12 Bottle Spice Rack Set and the Chrome Hanging Spice Rack , but work well with many other models also.Features: • Clear glass design for easy identification • Sprinkle and pour lid options • Sold individuallySize: 4"tall x 1 3/4"diameter Capacity: 3 Ounces

Spice Rack With Oval Glass Jars by RSVP International $19 This beautiful spice rack is the perfect solution for keeping favorite herbs and spices easily accessible and organized. The chromed steel wire rack holds six unique, oval shape glass jars with locking lids. Features: • Chromed steel wire rack • Includes six unique, oval glass jars with locking lids • Jars have a 4 fluid oz. capacity • Hand washing recommended Size: 5 1/2"tall x 12 1/4"wide x 4 1/4"deep

3 Ounce Replacement Spice Jars by Olde Thompson® $2.49 Keep your spice in a safe and organized with the 3 Ounce Replacement Spice Jars by Olde Thompson. Make a uniform replacement of all the glass jars that were broken by these replacement spice jars. As they are sold individually you need not turn down the earth to find a matching pair or collection. This replacement glass jar features sprinkle and pour lid options to fill or sprinkle the contents more easily. Your spices remain fresh inside this replacement spice jar due to the airtight seal caused by the durable plastic lid that sports a black flip top section. The transparent glass of this glass jar allows you to identify the contents easily. Features: • Sprinkle and pour lid options • Glass jar makes for easy identification • Durable plastic lid with airtight seal • Sold individuallySize: 4 1/2"tall x 1 3/4"diameter Capacity: 3 ounces

Set of 3 Poppy Ceramic Spice Jars $56 Secret 50% OFF Special, not accessible from our public site. Use code: PLATINUMCODE. Limited time only. Enhance your kitchen decor with Italian accessories inspired by the Tuscan countryside. These three Ceramic Spice Jars feature a classic poppy design. Made in Italy.

Acrylic Spice Carousel - 12 Jars by Prodyne $31.99 The Acrylic Spice Carousel by Prodyne is the modern way to store and display your favorite spices. Designed on an easy access revolving base, the 12 stacking acrylic spice bottles interlock to stay in place even when turning. Each 5 ounce jar includes a removable lid and a sifter lid for versatility when cooking or baking. The clear design allows you to quickly identify the contents and lets you see when the spices need refilling. Designed to blend with any decor, this simple spice rack will make your life in the kitchen so much easier. Add more Acrylic Spice Jars as your collection increases. This slim profile spice carousel saves valuable counter space while storing your herbs and spices close by for easy access.Features: • Durable acrylic construction • Revolving base for easy access • Slim profile saves space • Interlocking bottles stay in place • Each jar equipped with removable lid and sifter lid • Includes 12- 5 ounce jars and revolving baseSizes: Entire Unit: Jars: 3"tall x 3"diameter Jar Capacity: 5 ounces each

Spice Rack, Revolving Chrome w/16 Spice Jars: 6½'' x 6½'' x 11½'': K $61.28 Brushed satin finish rack. Includes 16 (4'') Glass Jars with perforated plastic shaker and stainless steel screw-on lid, and 84 printed spice labels

RSVP Individual Clear Glass Spice Jars - Set of 12 $16.49 Storing spices for easy identification is easy with these 3 Ounce Clear Glass Spice Jars by RSVP. These clear glass jars provide you with a uniform system for spice storage. Each replacement glass jar features sprinkle and pour lid options to fill or sprinkle the contents more easily. Your spices remain fresh inside this replacement spice. The transparent glass of this glass jar allows you to identify the contents easily.These jars are replacements for the 12 Bottle Spice Rack Set and the Chrome Hanging Spice Rack , but work well with many other models also.Features: • Clear glass design for easy identification • Sprinkle and pour lid options • Set of 12 spice jarsSize: 4"tall x 1 3/4"diameter Capacity: 3 Ounces

Longden Enterprises GSR2020 16 jars spice rack set case of 2 $195 It takes equal parts of creativity and science to prepare a meal for family and friends. Start with a recipe experiment with flavors and textures and as your confidence grows your signature culinary style emerges. At Orii Gourmet we combine art and science to create fresh unique and functional products for the kitchen and table including spice racks spice jars pepper grinders salt and pepper mills vinegar bottles kitchen canisters glass jars food gift sets and more. Orii is derived from the word original . We invite you to enjoy our unique authentic and fun products as you create your original culinary style. Organic Bulbshaped glass spice jars. Complements any kitchen. Space Saving Lazy Susan design. Chrome carrying handle. Includes 16 popular spices. Dimensions: 17.5 x 17.5 x 9.6 .

Stainless Steel Revolving Spice Rack with 16 Jars. $14.99 This attractive revolving spice rack is a great way to store your spices in a modern, stylish way. Grab the one you want easily with the handy, rotating design.Stainless steel brushed finish and acrylic containers.Size H27, W14, D14cm.

12 Bottle Chrome Drawer Spice Rack with Jars by RSVP $25 No longer should you sacrafice valuable counter or cabinet space storing your spices. This functional 12 Bottle Chrome Drawer Spice Rack with Jars by RSVP nestles comfortably inside any kitchen drawer for convenient access to your most used spices and herbs. The set includes 12 glass spice bottles with stainless steel lids and a complete set of clear spice labels.Features: • Sturdy chromed steel construction for years of use • Fits most standard sized drawers • Set includes 12 glass spice bottles with stainless steel lids and a complete set of clear spice labelsSize: 3 1/2"tall (with bottles) x 6 3/4"wide x 17"deep

Wooden Revolving Spice Rack with 12 Jars of Schwartz Spice. $24.99 This revolving spice rack is great value for money and perfect for a starter home. Complete with a selection of 12 spices covering a range of tastes and uses. Grab them all easily with the handy revolving design.Rubberwood.Spices included: basil, mixed herbs, oregano, turmeric, parsley, rosemary, thyme, ground coriander, sesame seed, paprika, celery salt and caraway seed.Handwash only.Size H23, W17, D17cm.

Spice Tower $85 Spice Tower designed by Wolfgang Hints for Alessi, 2000. An ingenious storage solution. This stack of 6 shallow jars keeps oft-used spices in easy view and ready access. Dimensions: H 6.1" Dia 7.1"

Spice Rack - Metal "Loop" Design with 6 Glass Jars by Global Amici® $20.99 Keep spices safe and easily accessible with this stunning Roma "Loop" Spice Rack by Global Amici�. Made of extra thick glass, the 6 spice jars are the perfect solution for your favorite spices. Designed like mini mason jars, these spice containers allow you to quickly see the contents. The pull down latch closure creates a tight seal to keep your herbs and spices safely stored. Equipped with its own wrought iron stand, this quaint set is as decorative as it is convenient. The stand features a top handle for easy and convenient portability and the ball feet add charm to this fantastic set. Perfect for keeping spices on the table during dinner parties or toting from the stove to the prep area, this portable spice rack provides a unique storage and display solution for your spices.Features: 6 Extra thick glass mini mason jars Pull down latch creates seal for freshness Attractive wrought iron stand Handle on stand for easy portability Set includes 6 spice jars and metal standSizes:Jars: 3 1/2"tall x 2 1/4"diameter Stand (with handle): 6"tall x 14 1/8"wide x 3"deep

Spice $7.49 Spice

18-Bottle Spice Rack $34.99 Spice Rack 18 Jar set- glass jars include perforated shaker cap and chrome plated plastic lid Compact design Rack holds 18 jars in one small and convenient space Clear base for easy viewing of contents 3 tiered waved rack can hold 6 jars on each tier Brand: Polder Type: Storage and Organization Color/Finish: As Shown Color Mapping: As Shown

Jar Sifter Top, 1/4'' holes, for 4 oz Clear Spice Jar (8724), 12 Tops: K $2.7 Only fit the 4 oz spice jars because the clear jars have a ridge on the neck that keeps the sifters on.

Jar Sifter Top, 1/8'' holes, for 4 oz Clear Spice Jar (8724), 12 Tops: K $2.7 Only fit the 4 oz spice jars because the clear jars have a ridge on the neck that keeps the sifters on.

Ceramic spice-serving set, 'Spice of Life' (Indonesia) $20.99 Putu Oka Mahendra designs an original set of condiment jars that are infused with the elegant minimalism of Indonesian artistry. The jars are crafted of ceramic featuring dance fans as knobs on the lids. Spoons carved from coconut shells are in harmonious contrast to the jars' lush green enamel finish.

Clear Round Spice Bottle by RSVP $2.5 Preserve the appetizing flavor of spices by storing them in the Replacement Spice Bottle by RSVP. These spice holders, made of sturdy glass are best for spice storage. Through the clear body of these spice containers you can easily identify the contents. The glass spice jars are equipped with a sprinkle top and airtight stainless steel lids to keep spices fresh. The lids of these spice jars have to be screwed on. They fit tightly and seal the container, making them airtight. These glass spice jars are sold individually. They can make up for the missing or broken containers in your set of spice jars. Neatly arranged on kitchen tabletops or inside cabinets, the glass spice jars look attractive and give your kitchen a complete look.Need a spice rack? Check out our extensive collection of Wall Mount or Countertop spice racks!Features: • Clear glass bottle for easy identification of contents • Screw on stainless steel lid • Sold separatelySize: 3 3/4"tall x 1 5/8"diameter

5Pc Spice Rack(Pack Of 12) $93 5 piece spice rack set. Glass with plastic lids. Jars: 6 oz. Rack: 10.65 x 3 x 3.65. Packaging: color gift box....

Olde Thompson 16 Jar Spice Rack $29.99 Spice Rack, Carousel, holds 16 three oz. jars, glass with black flip-top lids, carrying handle, revolves on a lazy Susan, filled with spices.

Spice Rack - 18 Bottle by Polder $27.49 This spice rack by Polder includes 18 clear glass jars with chrome screw-on lids and plastic shaker tops. The three tiered wave design can securely hold 6 jars on each tier. Can stand freely or be mounted to the wall. Spices are not included. Features: • 18 bottle standing spice rack • Includes 18 clear glass jars with chrome screw-on lids and plastic shaker tops • 3 tiered waved rack can hold 6 jars on each tier • Spices not included • Wall mountable • Color: ChromeSize: Rack: 7 1/2" tall x 11 2/3" wide 3 1/2" deep Jars: 3 3/4" tall x 1 3/4" wide

Chrome Spice Shelf $19.99 Imagine the value of having your spices at your fingertips in the kitchen... This accented spice rack makes a cooking accessory you can show off in your Kitchen! Keeping your spices ordered and in one place makes them easily accessible at the time of need. The spice rack is handy for storing spices near the stove or in the pantry. Mount this chrome spice shelf (hardware included) on your kitchen wall or inside your pantry and you'll have added space for jars of spices and seasonings. It holds six standard-sized jars (those shown not included), and has a rail that runs around the middle so they stay secure. Brand: Better Housewares Type: Storage and Organization Color/Finish: As Shown Color Mapping: Chrome

Spice Rack - Mesh - by Design Ideas $22.43 This mesh spice rack will accomodate any standard spice jars as well as larger bottles. The four hooks on the front allow for utensils or oven mitts to join in the mix! This rack can sit on the counter, or can be used as a wall spice rack (includes mounting hardware). You'll love the dynamic, modern look of this spice rack! Type: Storage Accessories Color: Silver

Chrome In-Drawer Spice Rack by Spectrum $13.49 This Chrome In-Drawer Spice Rack by Spectrum is a magnificent space saver. Constructed from sturdy metal wire, this spice rack fits inside most standard size drawers to store and organize spices. The drawer organizer has 4 tiers of storage to hold spice jars and bottles, and lays slightly angled so spice bottles remain viewable and easily accessible. This spice rack has a simple design and polished chrome finish that will blend well with any kitchen decor.Features: • Sturdy metal wire construction • Fits inside most standard size drawers • 4 tiers hold spice bottles and jars • Lays slightly at angle to keep spices visible and accessible • Finish: ChromeSize: 2 1/2"tall x 8 1/2"wide x 18 1/2"deep (at max depth due to curved bar)

Spectrum 31270CAT In-Drawer Spice Rack- Chrome $26.36 Drawer spice rack. Finish: Chrome. Heavy duty steel construction. Store your spices tucked neatly away in a handy drawer. Slots for 15 regular and five small spice jars. No need to transfer your spices into jars after purchasing them at the grocery store. Most store brand jars fit into this space saving unit. Dimensions: 2.5"H x 8.75"W x 18.5"D.

Spectrum 31270CAT InDrawer Spice Rack Chrome $32.63 Drawer spice rack. Finish: Chrome. Heavy duty steel construction. Store your spices tucked neatly away in a handy drawer. Slots for 15 regular and five small spice jars. No need to transfer your spices into jars after purchasing them at the grocery store. Most store brand jars fit into this space saving unit. Dimensions: 2.5 H x 8.75 W x 18.5 D.