Pantry and Herbs - Adding Flavor

I want to tell you things that I cannot live without that are in my pantry or in my spice rack at all time. I love spices, and when used right, they add so much flavor and personality to a dish. I definitely encourage everyone to experiment with their favorite spices and herbs, see what they like paired with what. And if you're in a tight spot and want to add some flavor, garlic and Italian seasonings go pretty much with everything.

Pantry:
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (get the good stuff, it's well worth it.)
Sea Salt (white or pink)
Peppercorns (and a grinder)
unsalted butter (don't use the fake stuff) and you want it unsalted so you can control the content
Honey Dijon mustard
Honey
Vinegar (your favorite choice, i.e. champagne, rice wine, apple cider) The white ones, in my experience, are used more.
Vanilla Extract, (you just never know)
Packet of onion soup mix (this can come in handy)
Box of grain brown rice. (can make many different meals)

Spices (Dried):
Italian seasoning
Garlic Powder
Onion Powder
Seasoned Salt
Cilantro
Parsley
Basil
Oregano
Thyme
Rosemary
Nutmeg
Cinnamon
Lemon Pepper
Basil
Sage
Cumin
Red Pepper Flake
Chili Powder
Taco seasoning
21 Seasoning Salute (Trader Joe's - highly recommended)

Homegrown herbs:
Really it's very easy. Just need a place that gets sun at least half the day.

Basil.      My first experience this past summer with growing Basil was amazing. I started with a plant that was about 6 inches tall and planted it in a planter. Just make sure you spend 20 minutes of your everyday watering your plants, particularly if they are outside. I came home and watered after work each day, and it became a routine. About a month after I planted it, it grew 2 feet and I had to plant it by itself in a bigger pot. It grew another 2 and a half feet by the end of summer. Some leaves were as big as my hand.

As you can see in the picture, the leaves were pretty big, imagine if the sides weren't curled. Crazy!

So needless to say, I had a lot of fresh Basil this year. I even gave some away to friends and family. You can dry it out too and it still tastes better than the stuff you buy in the store.

I also grow Lavender, Parsley, Cinnamon Basil, and Aloe (not to eat of course).

My Lavender also grew really well, along with my Cinnamon Basil. I think my Parsley got stunted this year from my Basil starting to grow next to it though, but next year it should bet better since it has it's own pot now. When growing Parsley, I'm more partial to flat-leaf, I like the texture and taste better, but it's really a personal preference.

I really hope everyone tries growing their favorite herbs. I like it more than just flowers, because I actually use my plants then, instead of just look at it. I like things that serve a good purpose.
Next year, when I have a full backyard, I'm going to start growing more fruits and vegetables. I started a Blackberry plant, which grew insanely, but you really don't get any berries until the second year (especially when you plant late, like I did.)

Growing fresh herbs is cheap, and will make you dishes have some insane fresh flavor. Don't forget the fancy garnishes! But always having your pantry stocked, especially in winter, helps out with adding flavor.