Have you checked out that spice selection in the pantry lately? Here’s a wakeup call from Kelly’s Kitchen and master spice expert, cook and author John Gregory-Smith, who’s made it his life's work to put an end to the old boring salt and pepper routine and shake things up for our palates. Watch the interview!

John came by Kelly’s Kitchen to talk about his love for spices, and how a trip through countries like China, Bali, Singapore, Turkey and many others awakened his culinary curiosity for spices, and how to make the most of their flavor, appreciate the fragrances and delve into their therapeutic qualities. As John says quite simply and accurately “spices rock!” John is a very charming Brit, and he's welcome to drop in anytime he finds himself on this side of the pond. His new book, "Mighty Spice Cookbook" is full of delicious recipe and  easy to use. Please don’t bypass his introduction. It’s the best way to understand the reasons behind his love for spices, and, in the book’s one hundred recipes, help us all appreciate the proper use of spices. The coolest thing of all? No recipe will use no more than five spices at a time. It's always fun to step outside your comfort zone, and you will here.And of course, baker that Ann Kelly is, I had to turn to the Desserts and Drinks section first. I’ve always enjoyed adding a touch of cinnamon to hot chocolate, and his recipe for Mayan Hot Chocolate will take that to a new level for me. The Dark Chocolate, Clove and Cinnamon Brownies also look deliciously intriguing, along with the Mango, Orange and Nutmeg Cheesecake. Ever try a Lebanese Pizza? I’m going to with the recipe on page 158. I also appreciate the notes John gives with each recipe on what might go well with it. Takes a lot of the guesswork out of entertaining. Click Here to see photos with John!

Enjoy my chat with John and much as I did, and add Mighty Spice Cookbook –Fast, Fresh and Vibrant Dishes Using No More Than 5 Spices for Each Recipe from John Gregory-Smith to your must have list. I’m going to give a few as gifts for Christmas to my friends! The book is available at: www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mighty-spice-cookbook-john-gregory-smith/1102669928; John's website is www.johngregorysmith.com/Site/John.html.

WORDS OF WISDOM FROM KELLY’S KITCHEN:

“Variety’s the very spice of life that gives it all its flavour.”   William Cowper