3 Spices You Want in Your Kitchen

Spices don’t just add flavor — they bring warmth, depth, and creativity to everyday meals. You don’t need a cabinet full to cook well. Just a few versatile favorites can transform simple dishes into something special. Here are three I always keep close by:

1. Smoked Paprika

Smoked paprika is one of those spices that makes everything taste a little more exciting. It’s sweet, smoky, and adds gorgeous color to whatever you’re cooking. I toss it on roasted potatoes, stir it into chili, and love it on grilled chicken. The Smoked Hot Paprika from The Spice & Tea Exchange is my favorite — it has just the right kick without being overwhelming.

Try this: Mix it with olive oil and garlic for an easy marinade, or rub it onto cauliflower before roasting for a side dish that disappears fast.

2. Cumin

If there’s one spice that instantly makes a dish feel heartier, it’s cumin. It has this earthy, toasty flavor that shows up in everything from tacos to curries. I use it in beans, rice, stews — pretty much anywhere I want a little extra depth.

Try this: It’s the base of my go-to carne asada recipe, and it makes the whole kitchen smell incredible while it cooks.

3. Vietnamese Cinnamon

This is hands-down my baking secret weapon. Vietnamese Cinnamon is naturally sweeter and more intense than the cinnamon you usually find at the grocery store. It has a higher oil content, which gives it that bold, cozy flavor that stands out in cookies, quick breads, and even sprinkled on oatmeal. Once you’ve tried it, it’s hard to go back to regular cinnamon.

Try this: Add just a dash to your next pot of chili — it gives a subtle warmth that surprises people in the best way.

With just these three spices in your pantry, you can brighten up breakfasts, transform weeknight dinners, and make your baking taste bakery-level good. If you stop by The Spice & Tea Exchange, ask about these favorites — I love sharing ways to make them part of your everyday cooking.