. Updating the Spice Rack

People often ask me what is the most economical source for purchasing spices. I have been using a company for many years now and every time I purchase from them, I pleased with their professionalism, their products, and their web page. May I recommend them to you?

It is the San Francisco Herb Company.  They have an order minimum of $30.00 so you may want to share the order with others. I have found that their spices store well in glass jars for several years without deterioration or loss of flavor (despite what I have heard from others about keeping spices for only a few months before they are useless). For this reason, I order all my needed spices at one time and then don’t plan to order again for three to five years.

When the order arrives, I take the spices out of their plastic bags, put them in clean glass jars, label the lids, and store them in my pantry. What an easy way to have plenty of good tasting spices on your shelves with a minimum of fuss and trouble. Order online and have your shipment within a week.

Now, when this order arrives, it is time to do a little purging of the old, sometimes greasy spice rack or cupboard. Spend an hour and order this part of our kitchen. Remember, take all the spices out of your rack or cupboard, order them by alphabetically (my favorite method) or by color (which works for some people) or use (main meal, dessert). Wipe down your spice holders or shelves and put the spices back so they will be convenient to retrieve. Add the new spices you have purchased and notice how much nicer preparing meals becomes because you can find what you need easily. Happy cooking!

Find more helpful ideas in my House of Order Handbook.