Spice up your life!

It never ceases to amaze me why people don't cook! One of my closest friends, Chelsea, seen in the picture above, used to hate to cook. With me as a friend, why should she, right? To my utter delight, she's finally taking an interest in cooking. I insist that she does most of her cooking from scratch. She needs to learn the right way. My way!

So what's preventing this smart, busy sales executive in her late twenties from cooking on a regular basis? I thought for sure it would be hassle of having to do all the dishes or just being tired from work. I was wrong! It was spices? How? What? Why?

Chelsea called me on her way home from work last night and asked me if I had any dishes with the same 4-5 spices. I was puzzled. Why would anyone want to make dishes with the same 4 spices?  It's like going to your Grandma's house and having all the dishes taste like thyme, rosemary, salt and pepper. Even worse, it's like eating Indian everyday. Too much of a good thing can bore any pallet. It's not just chefs who like variety!

I asked her, " Why do you want to learn how to cook with the same spices?"

She went on to explain that she finds recipes to make (better all be mine) and then buys jars of  spices that range from $4-$8. The problem is that she doesn't cook enough to use them before they turn bad or forgets she even bought them. Chels would spend $30-$40 on making a meal for two. Which raises a valid point, "Why not just eat out for that amount?"

I won't get on my chef pedestal and explain why we should be conscious of what we eat and spend time talking around a table. I could go on, but I won't. Is overspending on spices a significant reason why many people don't cook and/or experiment in their own kitchens? I always assumed it was sheer laziness, exhaustion, lack of interest or addiction to fast food. I thought everyone knew about the bulk isle of the grocery stores like Central Market, Whole Foods, Wild Oats or Fiesta? I guess I was wrong.

As a chef, I make crazy adventurous things ALL the time. I guess it's my job, but it's also my passion. Making the same thing in the same week or two would be career suicide for me. Plus, Foti is accustomed to not knowing what to expect to eat when he comes home. It's our thing. That's how we roll in Casa de Kallergis. I would spend a small fortune on spices if I got a jar of every single new spice I used. 

The beauty about the bulk isle is that you get what you need. Plain and simple. Just because there is a large scoop, doesn't mean you have to fill your zip bag to the tippy top. As a general rule, spices are usually fresher in the bulk isle.  Also, you can get what you need without breaking the bank. It's also a great way to try a new or unfamiliar spice without investing a lot of money. So cook and bake away!  One less excuse not to meet and eat around your table. Happy Cooking Chelsers =)