What are some Spices and Herbs that is handy in the kitchen?

Dried Basil
Dried Oregano
Rosemary
Sage
Cayenne Pepper
Cumin
Chili Powder
Paprika
Garlic Salt
Salt
Cinnamon

For baking: PURE vanilla – cinnamon – almond extract

For cooking: Chili powder (at least 1 variety) – paprika and smoked paprika – Tony Chachere’s Creole Seasoning (I use it on everything – similar to seasoned salt) – dried dillweed (essential for fish, especially salmon) – cumin – Kosher or sea salt – oregano – basil – rosemary – sage (for poultry)

You should buy FRESH parsley and cilantro to have on hand….

If you do Mexican food, you should have cumin, garlic, and onion (minced or powder), plus some kind of hot pepper, like cayenne.

If you like Indian food, curry is the main ingredient.

For Italian, you need basil and oregano mostly. Fennel seed (a key spice ingredient in italian sausage) is also good to have for sauces. And, of course garlic and onion. Some people like putting a bay (laurel) leaf or two in an italian spice. But, I don’t really notice the difference.

For seasoning seafood or for boiling shellfish, get some Old Bay seasoning. It’s also good on chicken for a savory flavor.

Another standard to have around is cinnamon.

Otherwise, stick with the essentials: salt, pepper, and garlic. Parsley is bland and doesn’t add much flavor. But, you can use it in sauces. And, I wouldn’t have much use for nutmeg on a regular basis (sprinkle it on custard, use it in pumpkin pie).