Comments on: “Surprise” Baklava and Spices Gone Wild

By: Gabriel

Gabriel — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 20:10:19 +0000

I put my spices in a drawer, but take them out of their original packaging. I bought 30 small 2″ wide x 2″ depth x 3″ height plastic containers that have snapping lids. My drawer happens to hold six of these containers per row. I bought a labeler and put a label on each container, as well as the date the spice was opened.
Each container holds a little more than one standard jar of spice, but I typically buy in bulk anyway. I’d guess about three ounces of spices per container.
I left some room behind the rows of containers for things like measuring spoons, measuring cups, tea strainers, and other small, spice-related items. The drawer is in my island which is where I do the prep for all my cooking, so it is very accessible.
The other great thing is since the containers are semi-transparent you can see the colors of the spice when you open the drawer. I also find I use a larger variety of spices since I can access them all so quickly and they do not hide behind each other in my cupboard.
I have not found spice blending to be a problem. I thought so many spices in close proximity without super tight lids would cause some mingling of flavors, but this has not occurred.
Sorry I do not have a picture I can send you or link to.

By: Lauren

Lauren — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 15:28:54 +0000

I feel like the spice fairy imparting some great wisdom here….you need a SpiceStack! The new SpiceStack spice rack holds 27 bottles from the grocery store (read: spices of your choosing, labeling no longer required) in your kitchen cabinets. The stacking design means storing more spices in less space and the drop-down drawers allow you to always find the spice you need fast. No more digging for the dang oregano! SpiceStack is $29.95 (with additional units at $14.95) at http://www.SpiceStack.com. And we sell extra bottles too for your bulk spice purchases.

Happy Organizing!

By: auntie sally

auntie sally — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 23:42:05 +0000

Hi Lindsay,
ARGGGHHHHHHHH!
After a magabuck kitchen remodel, no one, not the architect, the contractor, or the cabinet maker offered me a solution to the spice dilemma, so I took it in my own hands. I took one drawer and designed then made a foam-core insert specifically designed to the bottles I use most. (see separate email attachment). Any decent graphic designer should be able to figure it out.
Then all the other spices in bags, bottles etc. go in two plastic tote boxes, one for sweet and one for savory, never to be combined. Sometimes it works.
One more hint… date the spices when you get them. Then you don’t feel guilty throwing out the dill weed that is older than your oldest niece! Good luck.

By: Erin

Erin — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 13:21:52 +0000

I have a messy spice cabinet too…but I’d love to do this someday:

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/la/inspiration/look-diy-spice-rack-042201

By: a. grace

a. grace — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 09:48:51 +0000

i’m so glad you were able to salvage the baklava–i’d hate to see one of the yummiest creations of all time go to waste. and who knows, maybe you’ll start a new trend! if they can sell bacon baklava, surely a hot and spicy version has potential! :)