Have you ever noticed that some people just have a knack for flavoring foods with herbs and spices?  I am not one of those people – I usually follow recipes and don’t go “freestyle”.  But my husband and his brother know what spices to add to any dish or entrée and the result is always enhanced flavor.  My mother-in-law does not know how they learned this fabulous cooking skill but we all enjoy the tasty benefits of their talent! 

As a dietitian I also like the fact that when properly used, spices and herbs can help us reduce the amount of fat, salt and sugar we add to dishes and new research indicates there are additional reasons to season.  Since spices and herbs are derived from plants, they share many of the same properties of vegetables and fruits.  For example, they are rich in antioxidants which provide a range of benefits to our bodies. 

Try some of these easy meal tips from McCormick to add some spice (and health) to your life:

  • Keep a shaker of Ground Cinnamon handy to sprinkle over your morning oatmeal.  Add dried Michigan cherries and some sliced almonds. 
  • Enjoy a broiled cheese and tomato sandwich on a whole wheat baguette.  Use mozzarella cheese and ¼ t. Oregano Leaves.
  • Add a hint of Ground Ginger to your green or fruit tea – hot or iced.
  • Add Ground Cinnamon to natural applesauce – spread on whole wheat toast or whole grain waffles.
  • Add a kick to homemade or store bought hummus or guacamole by stirring in ¼ t. Ground Red Pepper or Crushed Red Pepper.
  • Dress up whole wheat dinner rolls.  Just before baking brush the tops with olive oil and then sprinkle with Crushed Rosemary Leaves and a bit of sea salt.
  • Wake up to flavorful scrambled eggs by stirring 1/8 t. Thyme Leaves into 2 eggs before scrambling.
  • Create a spiced curried pilaf by adding ½ t. Yellow Curry to 2 cups of hot cooked white or brown rice.  For added nutrition and texture stir in a handful of shredded carrots, peas, raisins or sliced almonds.