Spice cabinet essentials?

[Worker Bee]

My absolute faves/most frequently used are:

-basil
-bay leaves
-cinnamon (ground and sticks)
-dill
-oregano
-paprika
-saffron
-thyme
-pepper flakes

Just a note about storage -- after years of storing my herbs in jars in a spice rack, noticing that they lost a lot of potency when exposed to the various "elements" in the kitchen I have wisened up and now store them inside a cupboard and have noticed this does increase their longevity.

I also used to feel a need to fill up the entire spice rack slots "just because". LOL Now I buy only those which I need and tend to consume them quickly so this ensures their potency also.

[JKander]

The only things I have in my spice rack, I don't have a cabinet for it, are cinnamon and oregano. I also have salt and pepper in their for some reason...

[peacherina]

Ok, I have got to have garlic powder. I just love using garlic powder. OH garlic salt is good too. I have to have some type of cajun seasoning. Hmm what else...Oh of course salt and pepper.

[Raquelita]

I just got a sea salt grinder and i'm liking that a lot more than my regular salt.

[BagCSC]

Raquelita...I am glad you finally saw the light. I LOVE sea salt grinders. The salt just is so much better than standard iodized table salt.

[muslgrl]

basil, oregeno, garlic, hot pepper seeds

[expatgirl]

I have a spice factory in my pantry---I've actually had to alphabetize them if I want to find them---Ha! Favs are of course are garlic, mixed seasoned pepper, chili powder, cumin, basil, oregano, thyme, paprika, dill, BAY LEAVES for everything, nutmeg, cinnamon, and seasoned salt.

[Kaabi]

I used to have a lot of spices, but when I used them up I would never replace them. It's a severe problem, really.

[loubear]

My husband and I both like to use different spices. He likes real hot spicey and I like garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, hungarian paprika, cayenne pepper, sea salt (multi uses) for cleaning cast iron pans, seasoning, pickling etc. I also love rosemary fresh and dried, basil fresh and dried, cumin, chili powder, to many to mention. How long can dried spices stay good for? Please advise some of mine are a little old. thanks

[pinkperson]

Onion, pepper, GARLIC, GARLIC, GARLIC and more GARLIC. I can live without the others but not without garlic.