If you don't have a spice rack (or space for one) in your kitchen, how do you store your spices? How do you keep them organized so you can quickly find what you need while cooking?
I use the smaller cabinet over the stove to store spices. I have one of those three-tiered plastic spice shelves in there. I put the smallest spices in the first row and the biggest ones in the back row. That way I can see all the labels when I open the cabinet. I also use the bottom shelf of the cabinet next to the stove for spices I use less often.
It's really odd, but I know exactly where every spice can be located. DH can never find anything in there. I guess the "system" works for me!
I have some dollar-store shallow baskets. That's where I keep my spices. They are organized by type:
baking spices (cinnamon, nutmeg)
Italian spices (oregano, red pepper flakes, basil)
Chili-type spices (chili powder, cumin)
Miscellaneous
I just take the whole basket off the cabinet shelf and find the spice I need.
This makes it easy for me because I am short and have trouble reaching to the backs of my cabinet shelves.
I have LOTS of spices as I am often trying new combinations in my cooking.
I have mine standing up in plastic shoe boxes (which I keep on my pantry shelves). I have them sorted alphabetically and purchased round stickers (the size of a nickel maybe) that I wrote the names on and put on the top of each jar. I've also marked the front of each box with the letters (A-H, for instance). That way, I can just pull down the correct box and look from the top to see which spice is which.
The jars are in a deep drawer with labels on the lids. I also have backup spices in little plastic tubs, stacked on an open shelf above the dresser that holds the drawer. We have a great place over in Belleville (Peight's store) where spices are very inexpensive and you get a lot for the price too.
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Ellen in PA
"God has not given us a spirit of fear; but of love, power, and a sound mind."
I too have a lot of spices that I use frequently. I have a small cupboard beside my stove for most and they are in no particular order. For the ones I use all the time and the ones I have made personally, I have some magnetic pots that I store them in and I have them on my fridge. They don't look bad and are easily within reach. You can get them at IKEA, wish we had one here sigh, or just about anywhere. Those of us with tiny kitchens have to be inventive and imaginative.
I too use the small cabinet by the stove and have the 3 "shelf" thing in there with small on front etc. Also have certain ones over the stove as I use them most every day. Plus Gina bought me a really nice thing that is round and has round spice jars in like a 3 tier thing and also have the one she bought for herself but decided she did not want it lol sooooo I have plenty of spices. I need my "ladder" to get up to see all but the short spices lol I can see the tops of the containers on that 3 shelf thing but that is all. Us shorties have it rough
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Thought for the Day If you didn't start your day with a smile, its not too late to start practicing for tomorrow.~~~God Bless All
Ellen in PA 
