Sneaky Spice

Lynne, one of my co-barn builders in that Build A Barn book Julie Sefton put together last year, did an amazing thing for me.  She sent me a spice cabinet.  That is just a reminder that you never know where your friends are going to come from, so be nice to everyone!  LOL

You know how important my kitchen is to me, how much I love to cook.  And how I am fighting the little inadequate kitchen in the camper.  Christie gifted me with that slow cooker that has been a life saver.  Lynne gave me the ability to season.

I told her I was having a kitchen orgasm!  Vietnamese Cinnamon!  Spanish Paprika!  OMG!  Oregano, nutmeg, Bouquet Garni!  I was in love with the range of spices.  Things most people don't use, but I use them all!  Mexican Vanilla, tarragon, cumin. Basil, lemon pepper, rosemary, ginger, thyme. 

All so simple, and so basic.  I am so touched  once again,  by a simple gesture like this.

In India, cooks use the same red beans we have here in South Louisiana and add cinnamon and allspice.  The result is a mild, sweet bean dish that compliments the tandoori chicken.

I make the absolute best ribs using Spanish Paprika in the rub.  No, no....I won't give away my secret!

There is this delicious apple pie I make that has a crust full of shredded cheddar cheese.  You pile the 3 kinds of apples high in the middle and fiddle with some amazing spices.  It melts in your mouth.   My son-in-law eats half of it, so I have to make two when he is nearby.  I think he can smell it from across the fields.

Remember my bay leaf trees I had to pull up this past weekend? Lynne even included bay leaves in the box!

You are amazing, my friend.  And right at the moment I needed it!