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The right spices can add flavor and dimension to any dish—but spices can be expensive, and stocking up on the ones you rarely reach for can be wasteful. Fortunately, by keeping just a few essential spices on hand, you can take your cooking to the next level while saving room in your spice rack. Here are some of the most versatile spices and tips for using them in your kitchen. 13 SPICES OF LIFE C I N NA M O N While the spiciness of cinnamon is usually associated with baked goods, there are many uses for cinnamon in savory recipes. Specifically, cinnamon gives a warm and delicious flavor to soups, chilies, stews, and more. From East African to Vietnamese, a wide variety of cinnamons are available, so feel free to experiment and find the right one for your spice rack. PA P R I K A Like red pepper flakes, paprika is made from dried peppers. However, because paprika typically comes from tomato peppers and is fully ground, it lends a smokier and more subdued taste. Paprika can be incorporated into anything that needs some color and flavor, though it's often used on potato salad and deviled eggs. G A R L I C P OW D E R Nothing beats the flavor of fresh garlic, but peeling and mincing garlic cloves from scratch can be an involved and tedious process. Having garlic powder in your pantry is a great way to save time without sacrificing flavor. Likewise, garlic powder is an excellent addition to homemade dressings, rubs, and spice blends. G RO U N D C U M I N Last but not least, don't overlook the power of ground cumin. This spice, which comes from a dried fruit plant, is as practical as it is aromatic. Ground cumin is the perfect addition to Asian, Middle Eastern, and Mexican dishes—offering a distinctive taste that is both peppery and nutty. You can buy cumin already ground or buy it whole and grind it yourself. R E D P E P P E R F L A K E S Add a little heat to your favorite fares with a dash of red pepper flakes. Contrary to its name, these flakes are actually made not from red peppers, but dried cayenne peppers. One of the most versatile spices out there, a simple shake or two brings excitement to pizzas, pastas, soups, and sauces. B L AC K P E P P E RC O R N Why buy whole black peppercorns when you can buy ground black pepper? Well, when you buy the whole peppercorn and grind it into dishes yourself, you'll enjoy a much fresher and bolder flavor. Trust us; it's worth the extra step. Just be sure to invest in a decent pepper grinder!