Yesterday I got back on the treadmill. It sucked but I watched two episodes of "modern family" so I was able to go about 4 miles. I realized I HATE running on a treadmill, but living in New England, sometimes running outside is just not an option.
My friend spent all of January blogging about organizing. This month's issue of Oprah magazine is about organizing. I'm not usually an Oprah devotee but there were some useful tips. For example, did you know that after three years you should replace your spices? Who knew! Given that Bil and I still use spices that came in a spice rack given as a wedding gift over FIVE years ago, I figured I should chuck them and check out what else has been taking up long-term residence in the cabinet.
I found spices that explicitly expired four years ago, and others that I think one of us must have had before we met. That means these spices have gone through three moves. Yes, they have lived in at LEAST four different cabinets.
Anyway, I dumped all the expired spices, which upon closer inspection showed signs of age. Such as clingy spidery-web stuff, were crusted solid, or had changed color. After purging we were left with salt and onion powder.
I really like our spice rack, so I took the empty jars and went to our local coop where I refilled them with spices from the bulk section. Some jars I used for different spices. For example, I don't think we've EVER used marjoram, so I bought cloves instead. The whole thing cost about $14.
I feel really good about accomplishing this little task, even though I don't actually USE the spices as I don't cook.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
So glad you posted. And proud that you ran--good for you! I'm so impressed with your spice rack organizing. We didn't clean out our spices...i organized them but didn't clean them out. (I haven't finished this month's issue of O yet). hmmm...we use them, but infrequently. They're too expensive to replace every year! guess we'll have to start cooking more often. lol.
ReplyDeletenot expensive if you buy from a place that sells them in bulk! Like I said, I replenished our ENTIRE spice cabinet for $14.
ReplyDeleteYes I agree...buying spices in bulk is the way to go. I discovered this myself recently, and found it very satisfying somehow...
ReplyDeleteAlthough I did not have to replace expired spices, being married to a cook we go through them. Becca, I love those spices you gave up as a wedding present, they are sooooooo good!