Spices

Spices

Spices can be very expensive, especially if you're looking at the baking aisle of the grocery store. But really, all you're paying for there is the pretty glass bottle - spices and herbs are basically weeds, and dried-out ones at that.

Cheap Spices

If you're lucky enough to live in a place that has a Cost Plus, check their food section for spices. Not only do they have all the standards, but they also have unique spices and herbs for more ethnic cuisine, like the saffron and ras al hanout seasonings needed for my B'stilla recipe. And they're cheap! Vanilla beans for a dollar, saffron for two dollars.

Herb Gardens

I'm still an advocate of maintaining your own herb garden, because in the long run it is so much cheaper and healthier. If you have the space and ability to do it, check out your local Home Depot or Lowe's. Herbs grow really well in pots, and require little-to-no maintenance. Just make sure to get pots that drain really well, place them in a sunny spot, and don't over water them. I've found watering when they start to look a little wilted is best. Hose them down, let them soak it up, and dump any remaining water afterwards.