Essential Spices

Keeping your spice cabinet well-stocked is key to easier cooking and baking. In addition to salt and pepper, the following are spices, herbs and flavors recommended to keep on-hand.

The seven most essential spices and seasonings. This list is a great place to begin if you are just learning to cook, packing a camp box, or planning on being marooned on an island.

Garlic Salt
Cinnamon
Parsley
Oregano
Chili Powder
Seasoned Salt
Minced Onion 

To expand your spice pantry, the following are suggested:
Basil 
Bay Leave
Sage
Garlic Powder
Dill Weed 
Ginger 
Paprika 
Rosemary 
Thyme 
Mustard Powder

Personalize Your Pantry 
The following spices are recommended for your pantry if you like to prepare
certain types of food. 
Italian Cooking -- Fennel, Crushed Red Pepper, Italian Seasoning, Oregano, Garlic Salt
Mexican Cooking -- Cumin, Chili Powder
Asian Cooking -- Curry Powder, Crushed Red Pepper, Sesame Seed, Chinese Five Spice Powder 
Baking -- Allspice, Cardamom, Cloves, Nutmeg, Poppy Seeds
German -- Caraway, Juniper

Spices that may be needed only in special recipes:
Saffron
Lemon Zest
Mace
Fenugreek
Coriander
Coriander Seed
Cardamom
Anise
Chervil
Lemon Grass
Star Anise