It’s not that often I receive an email saying hello from Mumbai (unless it’s from that prince we all hear from with a million dollar prize he has for us, if only we send a few thousand dollars in return…) but my favorite spicy guy, John Gregory-Smith was the emailer! Check back in the Kelly’s Kitchen archives to hear from John on our original interview on the Mighty Spice cookbook. But he was letting me know about a new book that’s in the works, and we caught up again when he returned to London from a trip that probably earned more than a few frequent flyer miles!

   So what’s new in the world of spices? A lot! John’s tour covered everything from street food in Morocco, and a lot of cooking while toured the Dharavi Slum where they filmed Slumdog Millionaire. It was in China where John also discovered some delicious ideas for the new book, and was very glad for a certain app!

   We also had a chance explore what the new book will cover, and what new spices intrigued him on the tour, like curry leaves. Catch up with John on his website, Facebook, Linkedin, and on the road somewhere exotic and delicious soon. If you do run into him, ask him about his love of chilis. Legendary!

   And speaking of spices, my friend Janet Keeler at the Times had an article earlier this week that is a real favorite. I love to experiment with spices, but let’s face it. Some can be on the expensive side, and when you’re only using a small amount it can be a less than desirable expense. One example for me was being in need of pumpkin pie spice. Small container. Bigger price. Blend your own! Love my Magic Bullet for doing just that, and I found the recipe blend online at Allrecipes that's perfect. I had all the spices in the cabinet and just made my own. I also take advantage of the many natural food stores that allow you to purchase in bulk – and that can mean only buying a small amount and saving a great deal.

    But please make sure you pay attention to expiration dates on those lovely little bottles you already have at home. Thanks to the kitchen renovations that are about to begin in Kelly’s Kitchen, I’ve been cleaning out the pantry and discovered a few long past their freshness dates. If you have a little room in the yard, think about an herb garden to add amazing fresh flavor. Not only do you save a lot when you can simply walk outside and snip some fresh basil, or a stalk or two of rosemary, you can start experimenting with so many recipes that you might not have done. But nature's bounty can start your mind whirling with thoughts of naturally flavored herbal oils, savory bakery and so much more. My butterfly garden has a rosemary bush that is huge and so fragrant, and I'm about to add a few more fresh plants when I'm on vacation.

   Have a favorite spice of your own? I think mine would have to be cinnamon; I use it in a delicious drink to help me relax at night, using my favorite Almond Milk, with a sprinkle of cinnamon and  honey warmed up. Great to lull you to sleep. And for a nice touch on recipes like banana bread, cinnamon muffins, etc, when you grease the pan, take one fourth of a cup of sugar to one teaspoon of cinnamon to coat the pan, muffin tin, whatever you’re using. Adds a nice crunch and a special touch that I know the staff here just loves.

   Tell me what you love to add spice to your life, and where you buy your spices at ann.kelly@coxmg.com. Share those recipes too!

WORDS OF WISDOM FROM KELLY’S KITCHEN

Variety's the very spice of life, That gives it all its flavor - William Cowper