National Herbs + Spices Day
Alright, don’t judge me on the organization of my spice cabinet. Sure, I have to lift up each spice jar in order to see what it contains. Jars are always falling over when I am looking for the garlic salt. Obviously, that is an efficient way to spend all the free time that I have - especially when I am cooking. And of course I have spice jars from when I moved from CA to Chicago in 1997.
On June 10th, every year, people celebrate National Herbs + Spices Day. Oh what fun! According to Nationaldaycalendar.com, there are 18 Must Have Herbs and Spices. Even though the list may seem “standard” or traditional, it does set us up for having the most needed items in our spice cabinet. Thank you Nationaldaycalendar.com! Within those eighteen herbs and spices, we are not going to find any of Trader Joe’s popular seasoning blends. However, at the reasonable prices of $2-$4 each, any of the following jars would be great to have in our cabinet or spice drawer. Plus, they would make awesome thoughtful pinches for this national day.
Trader Joe’s always knows. If we can save time, money and have a winning combo, why not?
Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning is one of the best ways to spend $2.50 at Trader Joe’s. Sprinkle this blend onto anything from your Avocado on Toast, eggs, cream cheese, buttered toast etc. It adds that crunch and zip to anything bland.
Chile Lime Seasoning Blend can be used in drinks, tacos, potatoes and wait for it…fruit. Yes, that’s right. Try it on mangos or pineapple!
Chili Seasoning Blend is my daughter’s “go to” when her vegetarian craving for chili comes up. I stock up on this product because it is a time saver and adds the perfect chili flavor.
Everything but the Eloté Seasoning Blend is the best! Such a short cut to one of my favorite ways to eat corn! Bonus: I just discovered that Trader Joe’s has great recipes: Eloté + Jalapeño Cornbread Pancakes and popcorn!
Pumpkin Pie Spice - why bother getting multiple jars of spices to make pumpkin pie when this short cut just makes life easier and it is cost efficient?
Here’s another seasoning blend that is a time saver and great combo.
When I make the recipe below, this jar of herbs and spices is a game changer.
I love the TJ sense of humor in the Trader Joe’s Cookbook. See the comment about the peculiar aftertaste.
Besides spices, this national day celebrates the herbs in our lives too. Growing fresh herbs is wonderful way to have a “garden” for those who think gardening is overwhelming. Herbs are the only gardens that I could handle these days. A pot of fresh herbs are not expensive; ranging around $2.00- $6.00 depending on the size and herb. No matter what potted herb you choose, the fragrance is included in the price. I promise, I am not getting paid by Trader Joe’s but the herbs they sell are very reasonable and have always been great for me. Fair warning: If you snooze, you lose; with the great prices at TJ’s, they run out of herbs fast around here.
One Spring, my mother-in-law planted strawberries, mint, chives, cilantro, oregano and more in the plant stand that my neighbor made for me.
One of the ultimate pinches that one can give or receive on National Herbs and Spices Day is a plant stand to grow herbs. I was fortunate to receive this stand from my neighbor for my birthday years ago and I fill it up every Spring. I love having fresh herbs at my finger tips and it looks so sweet. I get a sense of pride every year whenever I see the herbs not only surviving, but thriving! Last year, I asked a friend to repair and paint the above plant stand white and this year I am excited to take it with me to Colorado. I can’t wait to plant fresh herbs and use the mint for mojitos or basil for pesto or cilantro for salsa. I hope it won’t be too late to plant herbs by the time we officially move into our new house in July.
Every year I add something different to my herb garden. One year it was roses. Another year it was jalapeños and red peppers. I just learned from one of my besties that basil doesn’t like other plants/herbs in the same pod. Interesting. I thought all herbs could thrive anywhere, anytime if properly cared for. One thing that I learned early on is that mint can grow anywhere and it is hard to mess it up. It’s my kind of herb!
Here are a few other ways to celebrate herbs and spices. We all know someone who is either an avid herb gardener or someone who can’t keep a plant alive no matter what. On June 10th, National Herbs and Spices Day consider bringing them:
A potted herb. Whenever I give something “live” to someone, I feel joyful because it brings hope to that person.
Or, if “live” is too scary for you or the person that you are pinching, swing by Trader Joe’s and grab a jar of one of the blends in the pictures above. It’s a fun way to add a little “spice” to someone’s life. Most grocery stores have a variety of spices with interesting combos in case you don’t live anywhere near a Trader Joe’s (I’m sorry!).
A fragrant bouquet of herbs tied together with a ribbon or in a glass jar is a lovely way to show someone you are thinking of them.
A meal cooked using some of your fresh herbs from your garden or a combo of your favorite spices.
Some lemongrass or mint leaves for tea - cover with hot water and let steep.
Some lavender in a breathable pouch for someone to put in their unmentionables drawer.
One of the best gift ideas yet. Make a homemade combo of spices and/or herbs that you use. Your creation can be presented in a recycled jar or cool Container Store container and be sure to attach a recipe so the receiver can use your homemade concoction.
Viola, you’ve instantly made someone’s day by celebrating this national day and you will feel the joy in doing so!
Pinches,
Barb
