Eye of Newt, Wart of Frog

My cleaning adventure which begun last weekend with my closet, continues this weekend with my kitchen pantry.

I think the archeological society may have interest in some of what I found in one cupboard. Who knew that they had creamed corn back in 1999? Who knew that I would have bought something like that? Time to heave out that relic, and a lot more.

Oh the waste! Do you have that too? Cans and jars of stuff that never gets used? They just get pushed towards the back until one day, the can splits at the seam? Not a pretty sight. I have 3 bottles of Worcestershire sauce. Probably enough for the rest of my life. More bottles of dressings and sauces than I need.

Working on organizing my spice pantry!
Gotta get all that stuff on the counter put
away yet!!

Part of my problem is I like having a stocked pantry. Nothing kills my inspiration to cook something fun than having to run to the store for something. (I am the same way with my bead projects). But on the flip side, having to look for something and not finding it causes me to buy some things over and over again. 5 jars of Tahini sauce?? I must be out of my mind!

I dumped a lot of stuff. My spice pantry is getting organized. I knew I had a lot of spices but really, jars of Eyes of Newt, and Wart of Frog is crazy. You would think I was casting spells, not cooking. (Though there are some people I would like to cast a spell on!!).

Need an exotic spice you never heard of? I probably have it.  I love ethnic foods and often the recipe will call for something that the usual grocery store will not have. I have discovered the joys of ethnic markets.

I have a tip for those of you who like to cook. You know how expensive spices can be. $5 or more for a little jar of spice is crazy expensive. You can save A LOT of money by shopping for some spices at ethnic stores. Try shopping at your local India, Mid Eastern or Mexican markets for spices.

For example:

At the Mid Eastern market

Sumac      4 oz for  $1.79  vs $3.99 for 0.4 oz at a general grocery store

A few the the spice comparisons

Oregano   2 oz for  1.49 vs  0.75 oz McCormick oregano for $3.98
Dill           3.6 oz for $3.99 vs.  0.3 oz McCormick Dill for $4.79

At the India Market

Crushed Chili   7 oz for $2.50 vs Frontier Brand 1.2 oz for $3.82
Garam Masala (curry)  14 oz  $4.99 vs 1.7 oz McCormick $4.98

A good witch er....cook has to have her supply of ingredients, right? Might as well buy them at a good price! Plus I find the quality better at the ethnic stores, which is another reason to buy spices there instead of the chain supermarket.

Spices are just the start. You would be surprised at the savings to be had on rice, bulgar wheat, bottled lemon juice, brand name jared garlic, tomato paste and more! Check out your local ethnic markets. It's a lot of fun!