With the recent surge in popularity of heat-and-serve meals and premixed seasoning packets, many who cook simply never learn how to flavor their culinary creations. What were once common natural ingredients have given way to chemicals such as monosodium glutamate, maltodextrin and yellow #5, which now contaminate the majority of boxed meals that crowd the shelves of local supermarkets. To a discriminating diner, these seasonings add little in the way of palatal satisfaction and present few, if any, health benefits. Therefore, it may be a good idea to avoid any food product that comes pre-seasoned in favor of a few bunches of herbs and jars of dried spices on your next trip to the grocery store.
Perhaps the most widely used herb across the globe, garlic provides a pungent yet familiar flavor to cuisines ranging from North African to Southeast Asian. Although it comes pre-minced in jars, frozen in cubes and freeze-dried in vials, garlic reveals its best flavor when used fresh. However, powdered garlic presents a viable flavoring option in a pinch—especially when sprinkled on nachos, combined with other spices in dry marinades or added to a simmering pot of spaghetti.
Two herbs essential to a plethora of dishes are basil and oregano. These savory spices work splendidly in their dried form, but carry dishes to a completely different level when used fresh. Chopped basil and oregano enhance everything from pasta salads to omelets, grilled salmon and hearty stews. In lieu of purchasing these spices dried, try planting a windowsill herb garden or a small plot in a sunny corner of the yard.
As you become more creative and globally minded in your cooking endeavors, start experimenting with dried spices like cumin, coriander and curry, as well as paprika, thyme and ginger root. The most practical places to purchase these spices in Madison include Whole Foods on University Avenue, Woodman's on the west side and any of the small ethnic groceries like Mercado Merimar or Asian Midway Market on South Park. Whole Foods boasts a bulk spice section—where one can purchase spices by weight—while Woodman's and smaller markets sell a variety of inexpensive dried spices in their produce sections.
In addition to herbs and dried spices, olive oil is a culinary entity often overlooked by the common cook. From vinaigrettes to vegetable sautés, olive oil adds a subtle yet irreplaceable zest to almost any dish. Use caution when purchasing olive oil, because all oils are not created equal—or, rather, processed equally. The highest quality multi-purpose oils are labeled ""extra virgin, first cold pressed."" Although these sport a significantly higher price tag, extra virgin olive oil provides a much richer and smoother flavor than its lower quality counterparts.
Remember the three tenets of creative cooking: When possible, choose fresh over dried herbs and spices; when cooking, use quality olive oil; and unless you find yourself camping, please do not buy any ""food"" that advertises the need to ""just add water.""
