SPICING IT UP

My friends Sarah and Elias are genuine foodies. They seem to have a knack for knowing the best restaurants, the chicest bars with the most innovative cocktails, and the coolest specialty resources like The Spanish Table in Berkeley. I went to the Spanish Table on San Pablo Ave, per Sarah's direction, to buy Za'taar for my chicken. I had no idea that I was walking into a gold mine. Was I intimidated? You bet. But, the help I received was terrific. All of the items we've tried thus far have been delicious and such an inspired change from the norm.

The Spanish Table carries incredible Iberian spices, delicacies, vinegars, wine & ports, and also hosts a huge paella section. You can find a large selection of earthenware cookware, tagines, cookbooks, ceramics, chocolate, music, etc. In other words, all the things you didn't know you needed....but, guess what...you absolutely DO need...can be found here!

My purchases are above. Let's review, clockwise:

1. Caperberries. Caperberries are hand picked and naturally fermented which gives them their delicate texture, green color, and unique flavor. They are preserved in a vinegar and salt brine and are used in much the same way as olives in salads, side dishes, appetizers and, (shhhh) martinis.

2. Juniper Berry Spice Mix. We used this rub on grilled lamb chops the other night. Out. Of. This. World. I'm not joking when I say that they were the #bestlambchopsever. We're still talking about them.

3. Pimenton. This is Spanish sweet smoked paprika. The spice works well on almonds, seafood, and roasted vegetables. It's also good with rice/grains if you choose to eat either.

4. Matiz Piparras. A long slender green pepper which is sometimes referred to as Guindillas a la Vasca. It has a mild sweet flavor, a delicate texture and goes great with salads, veggies, smoked fish, steamed clams, or by themselves with olive oil and salt.

5. Za'taar Spice Blend (the cataylst!) An awesome spice blend made of thyme, oregano, sumac, toasted sesame seeds, and salt. Za'taar is used on chicken, chickpea salads, grilled flatbreads, and baked eggplant among other items.

6. Parsley & Pine Nuts - whole spices, including pine nuts, parsley, zucchini, garlic, shallots, peppermint, lemon, chili, and carrots. I will be using this as a base for quinoa or farro soon.

7. Ybarra Anchovy Olives. THESE ARE UNBELIEVABLE!! Holy cow. I tried one and suddenly the whole can was gone. Don't know how that happened but this is #1 on my list for my return trip.

8. Gorgeous Ceylon cinnamon sticks. Cinnamon is loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. When its freshly ground, it smells incredible.

9. Ortiz Bonito del Norte. I am not a tuna fish person. There's very little I don't like but tuna fish ranks right up at the top. Will this make me a convert? I will let you know.

As the saying goes, variety is definitely the 'spice' of life. No doubt! You don't have to seek out a specialty store -- but if you are willing to, it can be a really fun experience. For the less adventurous, trying a new herb or spice from your local grocer can absolutely be an inspired change too. Happy cooking.