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.