Thanks to innumerable writers at the turn of the century, the strongest association many people have with exoticism is spices. Would the fabulous cities encountered by Randolph Carter in Lovecraft's "The Dream Quest of Unknown Kadath" have been as mystical without "…the spice-fragrant wharves, where the galleon made fast in the dusk as the city's million lights began to twinkle out over the water." I myself cannot imagine a marketplace in Egypt or Mexico without thinking of how it must smell -- cardamom, caraway, chilies, and other additives I've never even heard of.
Cooking new dishes is, of course, a fantastic way to mix it up, but it can sometimes be difficult to find the time to try an entirely new recipe -- especially if it contains many exotic ingredients or preparation methods. So whenever I need a touch of something different, I turn to my spice cabinet (or if I'm feeling really brave, the local co-op with bulk spices) and try something new!
My most recent spice adventure has been cayenne pepper. Usually it's used in hot sauces or soups, but I've been dumping it into everything from salads to scrambled eggs! If my sinuses are clogged; they clear right up, and the kick from the cayenne makes every meal a little exotic.
So next time your meal feels a little bland, mix it up and try a new spice! For extra credit, head to your local library or a reputable web site and find one that offers health benefits to you as well. Bon voyage!
(Photo by Jayson Emery from Flickr.com's Creative Commons photostream)
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