re: What’s a necessity spice in your spice arsenal?

I use garlic powder and onion powder in damn near everything. Smoked paprika just a smidgen less. Tons of other things too for sure, but those are probably my top 3. Honestly, I rarely use Tony's/slap ya momma, though I do always try to keep some around.

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Zydeco Chop Chop

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I happened upon this one day at and it's a solid pickup.

White pepper

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Salt is not a spice.

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Do garlic next... at least that one is interesting.

Both are spice blends, but I can't do without Garam Masala or Chinese Five Spice.

Does Tony Chachere's count? I put it on every meat or fish I cook.

I have a somewhat ridiculous amount of spices and I use most pretty regularly.

Garlic powder is probably the one used most outside of salt and pepper, but MSG and Lawrys is up there these days.

I also immediately make my own 5 spice as soon as we run out, and we use it a fair amount since we cook a lot of Asian dishes and I love it on pork even if the dish is otherwise not Chinese or Asian.

Smoked paprika

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I have a jar of this. Give me your favorite recipe and/or use for it. Other than some bbq dumplings I made one time, I haven't found anything else to use it for.

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Eric Ripert taught me that a trick at his restaurant is to rub a small amount on salmon skin before pan sauteing it. This helps to crisp up the skin. I also love to sprinkle it on poultry before baking or grilling which not only gives it a wonderful flavor, but also aids in crisping the skin. Adds a fantastic flavor to roast duck too. Lots of Asian recipes to be googled, but a little sprinkled on chicken is awesome.

Try some on your chicken when you season it and thank me later.

I guess I use more herbs than spices

Rosemary, thyme, basil and mint from the garden.

Cumin

Garlic powder

Onion Powder