If you are a beginner cook or you just want to reduce the sodium in your diet the easiest way to do that is start a spice collection.  These are my favorite basic spices and how I utilize them.

• Basil
  • My main use is for Italian food e.g. Pizza, Spaghetti, other tomato based dishes
  • If you have fresh you can make Pesto!
  • Add some basil and garlic to hamburger pattys for a great taste
• Black Pepper or Peppercorns in a grinder
  • This is a no brainer spice and you can use pepper almost anywhere
• Oregano
  • Used in many Italian recipes and as a meat rub.
• Cayenne
  • I love heat and this will add it.  Try adding it to chili, mexican, cajun or creole food.
• Cilantro
  • Commonly used in salsa and mexican cooking.
  • Great with fish & shrimp
  • try it in an herb butter YUM
• Cinnamon
  • I can’t even begin to give you a complete list on this but it is most commonly used in baked goods
  • Sprinkle some on your oatmeal or toast
• Cloves
  • Another baking spice use in cookies, spice cake and more
• Cumin
  • Chili and curry are the top uses
  • Makes a great meat rub for beef, pork & lamb
  • Use with olive oil for a great stir fry seasoning
  • Try over roasted potatoes
• Dill
  • Commonly used in pickles and relishes
  • Is great added to snack oyster crackers
  • Great in soups, dips and other snacks
• Garlic Powder (I buy in a granulated form)
  • I use this about everywhere from meats to casseroles to soups.
• Ginger
  • Great in Asian cuisine
  • Works well in some baked goods as well
  • Tea additive
• Nutmeg
  • Baked goods is the primary use
  • Coffee and eggnog topper
  • Try on yogurt or fresh fruit salads
• Rosemary
  • Soups and salad seasoning
  • Use on lamb and fish
• Sage
  • I love this is stuffing!
  • Great flavoring for pork
• Thyme
  • Sauces, stews and meat rubs Oh My!

This should cover most of your seasoning needs and if you need something like taco seasoning you will have all the ingredients here to make your own which is much more cost effective.  Be creative and learn how to make basic spice blends that you and your family will enjoy.