Cooking with spice

[BoyWithSpoon]

hello everyone,
some of you may recognize me. I'm new to the cooking scene and am trying to improve my skills (which, btw, I believe are improving ).

anyways, I've noticed that my foods never quite hit that lip-smacking quality that one hopes for.

so, I've been using somes spices, but I really have no idea what I'm doing. I was wondering if anyone had a list/chart which explains major spices (and herbs) -- what they taste like, what they're usually used for, etc..

any help would be greatly appreciated. thanks!
BoyWithSpoon

 

[urmaniac13]

Hiya BWS,

I am just leaving to go to the gym and unfortunately don't have the time for a elaborated explanation, for now start with this page... hopefully you will find lots of info to help you... I will get back to you later or tomorrow, but I am sure some others will give you a lot more helpful tips by then...

 

[ironchef]

Get the book that I suggested in this thread. It talks all about flavor pairings with spices, herbs, and a lot of other things as well:

http://www.discusscooking.com/forums/f17/iso-info-source-flavour-matching-general-culinary-education-22045.html

 

[Haggis]

Get cooking, get experimenting. Experience is the best way to learn.

 

[RPCookin]

I find that recipes often don't use as much flavoring as I like, and with experience I've come to know when I want more of some herbs and other flavorings. Also, using the correct amount of salt is important. It can be use to accentuate and balance other flavors without tasting "salty" if used correctly. When making a dish which you can taste during preparation, do so, and do it often. That is really the best way to know if it's right for you.