Herb or Spice Girl?

[emilycat]

I started thinking today (I do that sometimes http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif )about the types of cuisines I tend to focus on the most in my cooking, and what I came up with led me to realize that most of the dishes I make are heavily centered around herbs and freshness rather than spice and intensity (not that one excludes the other, though.)
My resultant list: I adore Thai and other Asian cuisines, Italian, French, Greek (basically most Mediterranean) and Middle Eastern cooking -- I tend to steer away from Mexican, Caribbean, Indian dishes.

Other than Middle Eastern, my list consists of cuisines that are very conducive to the use of loads of fresh produce and herbs, while the others tend to be very spice and heat-intensive.

Anyway, I'm not trying to imply that everyone's tastes fit into a category (rather, I think I'm finding that mine aren't quite as all-encompassing as I thought), but I was curious as to whether your taste buds have a pattern they prefer to follow?

[sneezles]

Emily,
I find it interesting that you would put Thai and Asian in the same category as French and Greek. Those two to me seem to fall in your spice and intensity rather than herbs and freshness.

I would say that I prefer spice and intensity, as I don't do much of either French or Greek. But consider Thai, Indonesian, and most Chinese to be in the same category as Mexican, Caribbean and Indian.

[Angela]

herbs and freshness. There's nothing like fresh basil, cilantro, etc.

[kwormann]

I adore Indian and Mexican for the spices (I LOVE spicy food) and Thai/Asian and Mediterranean for the "herbiness" (I LOVE fresh herbs!) I just go through phases as to which taste I want. Right now I am in a MAJOR middle east taste zone...hummus, garbonzo bean salads, tomaotes, feta, fresh basil, and my risotto fascination. Im always interested to see how long these phases last and which one will come next

Wonder is the moon is involved....hhmmmmmm

Kim

[This message has been edited by kwormann (edited 05-18-2001).]

[lindrusso]

I love both. In the summer, though, when I can get fresh herbs from the garden, herbs tend to rule!

[KLynn]

I am a definite mix. Greek (herbs) and Mexican (spices) are my favorites. Go figure!

[Jewel]

I think you could consider me a Spice Girl. I love Asian, Mexican, Southwest and Italian. I love pepper blends, chipotles, ground jalepenos, etc. more than I enjoy using fresh basil or rosemary.

I'm open to learning to use them more, of course, but I'd probably get more excited by a new recipe using Hot Chiles than a new recipe using fresh Thyme!

[KValley]

This is a tough call. Like Kim, I go through phases and like lindrusso, a lot depends upon the season. Now that warmer weather is here, my taste buds turn to thoughts of lighter fare and fresh herbs- I'm thinking Spanish, Brazilian, Greek, Northern Italian, Southern French.

Like sneezles, I would put Asian into the spice and intensity category, with the exception of Japanese, which would be freshness, without the herbs.

As I sit here trying to decide, I realize that I basically love all food. Except meatloaf and okra.

[sneezles]

KValley,
My boys would argue that meatloaf (only mine thank you very much)RULES! But then they are young and they love their momma! But right back at ya on the okra!

[cdm]

I've got to agree that this is a tough call. I do not like hot food. I must be more herbal. Im thinking of a Greek restaurant down here that makes a meatball that has mint in it, boy is that good. I too love fresh basil. Now, sweets wise-cinnamon is wonderful. but other spices to blend in it to round it out.

[ama47369]

From a girl who grew up completely on spices-I don't think I ever saw my mom buy a fresh herb, I lean more towards the spices. I absolutely love fresh basil, cilantro, and parsley. But, I use a lot of spices for mexican dishes. I think i use these more often. I would love to venture into cooking Thai and Asian foods, but I am afraid I will have to spend a fortune to stock my pantry with new things. Someday soon, I will find some recipes that work with what I have-or start purchasing new things gradually.

I have family visiting, and they just brought me some chipotle powder, jalepeno powder, and green chile powder. YEAH!!! I can't find green chiles anywhere here in Brisbane, and I am so excited to now have this! WooHoo! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[makedah]

Okra rules!!!!!!

Spicy, intense Spice Girl here. I'll be "Scary Spice." or should I be "Ginger"? (Get it?) http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[Missi]

I'm definately HERB but DH is all SPICE. (At least we get the best of both worlds!)