Solutions:
Large Seasoning Storage: There are the seasonings and spices you use for less than a handful of recipes, and then there are the ones you buy by the bagful and use in practically everything!
While they aren't modular containers, I like these inexpensive containers from Walmart. You can buy them for $2 and change, and they do the job. They are not dishwasher safe, but then again, how often are you going to have to wash them, spices last a while. I figure I can handle washing them by hand two-three times a year.
Notice the little yellow scoop in one of the containers? You know those scoops that come in the powdered baby formula you buy? Yeah, I'm glad I never threw any of them away! And they are dishwasher safe.
Medium Spice Storage: Oh happy dollar store day! I love these sugar storage jars, and who can beat them for a dollar? I love that when I need them I can easily grab and shake. Now, there are a couple spices I have stored in these jars that I don't use daily, and to ensure that they are sealed well for freshness, I cut a small square swatch of clear package tape to neatly seal the pour spout.
Small Spice Storage: Then there are those spices you use for one or two dishes, or those dishes you have ambitions to try, but haven't "gotten around" to cooking. You know what I'm talking about, we all have them. I needed some way to store these, and fortunately I discovered that Bed Bath & Beyond has small spice containers for a dollar. Unfortunately I also discovered about 50 other items I wanted much more badly while there, and another fantastic product won out over the spice containers. Sooooo, I pulled out another freebie from my maternity/baby days.
The hospital gave us several sealed packages of breast milk storage containers which we never used, and I kept sealed for years. Turns out they made the perfect small spice storage! They hold more than the containers I saw at Bed Bath & Beyond, but still had the small stature I needed!
Organizing my spice cabinet is an excellent time to
enrich & diversify our meals.
I firmly believe in exposing my kids to worldwide cuisine, why not broaden our family's horizons? Step one for me in attempting new dishes from various cultures and regions was to enrich my spice drawer, which did translate into some really wonderful new dishes! I was inspired to try my hand at a few Thai curries, some dishes from East India, and even a few Caribbean dishes! Now I have an ever increasing repertoire of deliciousity.
Keep in mind when choosing your spices/seasonings, that while many herbs & spices can have great nutrient value, others may be a stomach irritant. Start slowly and only introduce one or two new spices at a time. See what agrees with you and your family, and avoid those items that fight your system.
where did you get the labels from?
ReplyDeleteI used my Letra Tag label maker, with the clear tape option. However, if you do not have a label maker, you can always create labels by printing onto clear Avery brand labels! Thanks for the question! ;)
DeleteI just came across your blog and love the ideas with the spice organizing! Thanks!!! Will be an avid reader now!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Stacie! And thanks for reading!
DeleteWhere did you find the turn table? It looks like a great size.
ReplyDeleteAlso another idea for larger storage (and potentially recycling/upcycling to save money!) is canning/mason jars. I've been using them for my larger spices and love that I can easily fit a tablespoon measure in there.
Hi Lynne,
DeleteSadly I have no idea where the turn table originally came from, if I did I would buy several more...it is sturdy and works beautifully! It was one of the many hand-me-down items in my kitchen.
I LOVE mason jars! Especially the new quarter sizes! Thanks for sharing!
Bummer! I keep looking for one and they're all too tall for my pantry, or really short so spice jars won't fit. Thanks for the reply!
DeleteYes, the different sizes of mason jars are perfect- same concept as you've got here with the larger jars and smaller jars. :)