Yesterday, I unpacked my online spice order and organized my herb and spice drawer. As I spooned each powder into the appropriate jar I inhaled the scent of exotic lands. The aromas brought back memories and reminded me of my own journeys, meals shared, and old friends.

Our neighbors were immigrants from Mexico. Their kitchen was perfumed with cumin, chili, and coriander. I remember that after school, I was offered a sliver of fried flour tortilla sprinkled with cinnamon sugar. Delicious. My father helped the family's father get a job in the factory where he worked, and the mama insisted on preparing us a beautiful chicken mole dinner. The sauce was amazing.

Preparing a meal can be an expression of love. Tonight, I'm making curry. I have not found a commercial blend of spices that has the right proportion of flavors, so I add a bit of this and that until I am satisfied with the result. Each time I make chicken curry it is different, but by tasting and adjusting the spices and the other ingredients, I find a way to create something yummy.

Recently I found a new spice to add, a powder made with dried green mango. It adds a bit of tart sweetness and has a mild fragrance. 

I hope you like this post. Let me know in the comments about your favorite spices.