How to Add Flavor: An Introduction to Spices and Herbs

"A thorough and practical guide to popular herbs and spices. The tutorial recipes vary the herb or spice added to the main ingredient to give a wide range of flavors. It's such a simple and clever idea — I wish I had thought of it!"
— Jill Norman, award-winning editor, publisher, and food writer, honored with the IACP Julia Child Award, James Beard Award, and Guild of Food Writers Lifetime Achievement Award

"Being a self-confessed flavor chaser, this book adds that extra dimension to the possibilities when cooking and to further elevate familiar flavors, a highly recommended essential resource to your food library."
— Christine Manfield, chef, author, gastronomic traveler

"Ian and Kate share their knowledge about the ideal pairings of spices and herbs and so much more to show how to punch up a recipe with flavor and make the most of the unique possibilities spices can bring to a myriad of cultural dishes."
— Maggie Beer, food writer and culinary icon

"Flavor unlocked! Ian and Kate's brilliant tutorials show you how easy it is to master your kitchen's magic ingredients: spices and herbs. You'll be mixing up rubs, sautéing aromatics, and taking your food from meh to mouthwatering in no time."
— David Joachim, award-winning author of The Food Substitutions Bible and The Science of Good Food

Unlock the secrets to vibrant, mouth-watering meals with How to Add Flavor, the perfect guide for novice cooks looking to elevate their culinary skills. With just 15 key spices and herbs — ranging from aromatic basil to earthy turmeric — this book shows you how easy it is to enhance the flavors of your favorite dishes.

Learn the unique aromas, flavors, and ideal pairings of each spice and herb. From allspice and bay leaves to thyme and cumin, you'll discover how a sprinkle or pinch can transform your cooking. A special "Spice and Herb Tutorial" section takes you through four versatile recipes — Skillet Chicken Breast, Classic Pot Roast, Salmon Parcels, and Crispy Fried Tofu — demonstrating how the flavor profile of each dish can change dramatically with just a few variations in spices and herbs.

An in-depth section on salt and pepper, the essential foundation of any dish, offers valuable insights into using these two pantry staples to their full potential. Finally, explore 60 easy-to-follow recipes, organized by the featured spice or herb, helping you build confidence in the kitchen while mastering the art of flavor.