In many places in the world, spices are the central part of a meal. Here in America -- and most of Europe, too -- it's a very different story, with protein playing the starring role. But

Basic Blend: Combine mild chili powder with lemon juice and olive oil
Uses: Rub it over fish, chicken, or beef

Mock Mole: Add toasted pine nuts to the chili powder-lemon juice-olive oil blend and puree for a quick and delicious version of this beloved Mexican sauce
Uses: Stir into cooked rice, orzo, or farro

Red Pesto: Add toasted pine nuts and Parmesan cheese to the chili powder-lemon juice-olive oil blend and puree, adding additional olive oil as needed to reach the right consistency
Uses: Toss with cooked vegetables or pasta

Another of my favorite shortcuts for I'd urge you to look to places like Latin America, India, and Africa to rethink your use of spices. For starters, try this simple spice blend and its variations to transform ordinary meals into something dazzling.spicing up meals is to use a commercially prepared curry paste, available in the international aisle of almost all grocery stores. I like to rub it on chicken and let it sit overnight before roasting.

Most important of all, don't be intimidated by spices. Use lots of them, and try adding them in unexpected places, like soups and stews, to add a great punch of unforgettable flavor!