Additions II: Spice it Up

There are some basic spices that I keep on hand because they have so many uses.

Note: McCormick’s is fairly expensive, but it’s also the most widely available. Buy the in-store brand if possible, since it’s just as good and a lot cheaper. Note that all of these are on my spice shelf; all of my recipes are college-tested .

Red Pepper Flakes

I mentioned this previously, but they deserve another mention. They make pretty much anything spicy, from pizza (Tabasco sauce works well here as well) to pasta sauce to meat. Any flavor is good flavor, right?

Salt and Pepper

Yes, these are obvious. But a lot of people don’t take advantage of the little salt and pepper packets, which can add flavor to everything from pasta to sandwiches to salads.

Minced Garlic

You can buy small jars of minced garlic at most supermarkets for about $3. They will last for a very long time because raw minced garlic can perk up a lot of things, but you really don’t need (or want) all that much. I recommend using it in salads (about a 1/4 tsp, well-distributed) for that extra kick.

Oregano

Pizza. That’s where this spice shines, as its sweet/savory flavor adds flavors that other students can only dream of.

Orange-Pepper Omelet with Spiced Fried Apples

While looking through Harold McGee’s fantastic On Food and Cooking, I saw a chart of herbs along with their various tastes and properties and created this. It’s pretty good, but not an everyday dish as it requires two skillets or washing one skillet between steps. Here you go:

Ingredients
For the apples:
Half an apple, diced (I used Fuji, but Honeycrisp and Pink Lady would probably be just as good, if not better)
Enough neutral oil (like canola oil) to coat the bottom of the skillet
You have two choices for the spice mixture.
For a warm flavor:
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground cloves

For a woody, “green” flavor:
1/4 tsp rosemary
1/4 tsp tarragon
1/4 tsp thyme

For the omelet:
3 eggs
1/4 cup orange juice
1.5 tbsp pepper
butter
a bit of brie (optional; I haven’t tried it but I think it would be good)

Combine the spice mixture in a bowl and set aside. Put the oil in a skillet and add the spices. Heat the oil on medium heat until you can feel it when you put your hand about an inch above it; toss in the apples. After about two minutes, the apples will be browned but still crisp, turn each one (yes, individually; or just haphazardly, but I’m hardcore .
While the apples are cooking, mix the eggs, orange juice and pepper in a bowl and beat briefly until combined. Heat a non-stick skillet on low-medium heat. Butter dropped in should sizzles but not brown. Drop in a bit of butter, enough to lightly coat the pan, and pour in the omelet mixture. Let it sit just until the bottom sets (the rest of the omelet will be liquid), then move the pan around, moving the mixture to the edges until it’s set. Turn the omelet out onto a plate and put in the apples and the brie, if you’re using it.

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