Spices that EVERY kitchen needs

Variety is the spice of life, or so they say.

For your typical college student on a budget, however, a plethora of spices from all over the world may not be economical, for both your wallet and your cabinet space.

But alas, don’t fret dear reader! There is a way to get a whole lot of bang for your buck by buying certain spices that will jazz up any meal. In addition to that, they happen to be in my opinion, absolute essentials.

• Salt
  • This is by far the MOST IMPORTANT SPICE in any kitchen. Without salt, your food is sad and lifeless, like a terrible first date. It enhances the flavor of any food, and is necessary in everything. Even in desserts, there is usually at least a quarter teaspoon of salt. Moral of the story, when you go on a food shopping spree, put salt on your list. I buy Morton’s Salt, which you can get at any grocery store in a big 26 oz (AKA, more than you need) container for under 5 bucks.
• Pepper
  • Just as important as salt is the tall, dark and handsome pepper. This counterpart adds the spice that you need to any meal, without overdoing it (unless of course you get heavy handed, in which case, Houston we have a problem). You can add this to virtually any dish except dessert and it gives a pronounced depth of flavor to a meal. I usually buy the kind that you have to grind yourself in a fancy-schmancy pepper mill, but don’t worry you can buy the already ground kind too, pinky promise.
• Garlic Powder
  • Vampires beware! This spice is perfect for all of your meats and makes for super flavorful goodness. It also works brilliantly for vegetables too! This is also a super easy thing to find at any grocery store.
• Onion Powder
  • Garlic Powder’s BFF, Onion Powder, is just as important, for the same reasons. It can make some knock-your-socks-off chicken and spice up some blah broccoli. It is also, just as cheap and easy to obtain as garlic powder.
• Italian Seasoning
  • Another necessary spice that it helpful for proteins galore. It also makes a killer salad dressing. It is usually a mixture of dried basil, rosemary, thyme, oregano, and marjoram. It is a very versatile spice mix and is always in my spice cabinet. You can make your own mix by buying each individual spice, or if you want the simpler route, you can buy pre-made Italian Seasoning at the grocery store.

• Cinnamon 
  • A dessert staple for anyone who wants to make some killer baked goods. I include it in this list so that the bakers can be happy, and so that if you get a wild hair and want to make some cinnamon rolls, you’re covered. It can be easily found in your local spice aisle.
• Vanilla Extract
  • I know what you’re thinking, Oh Dormitory Chef, this is not a spice. Maybe, maybe not, but technicalities aside, this is a pantry staple for any chef, college or otherwise. It is so very important for baking and desserts, and can have other uses as well. Note: it is crucial to get Vanilla EXTRACT, not imitation Vanilla flavoring. I know it is more expensive, but, in parlor terms, imitation flavoring is lame. Enough said. Moral? Buy Vanilla Extract. Your desserts will thank you.

Well folks, thats about it. These are really the only absolutely essential things you need in your spice cabinet. You can get by with these spices and still make consistently flavorful food. If a recipe I make has something else not included in this list, you will have the opportunity to grow your spice collection! I just wanted to compile a start-up list of spices that will get any Dorm Chef started. With these starter spices, you have the opportunity to broaden your cooking horizons and become a true Dormitory Chef.

Happy Cooking!