I am a baby and have really not used much or know much about seasonings, spices and what combinations to use and the results. Actually I do not know where to begin. Where should I buy my spices? I read where you were not suppose to keep them over 6 months and not to buy from grocery stores because you do not know how long they have been on the shelf. Where to start?

Steve

Go to PENZEYS.COM

http://www.silkroadspices.ca/

QWuoting myself from elsewhere:

In addition to Penzey's (I spend $500/year there) here are a few others I'd recommend as well: The Spice House, Sweet Freedom for some chilies, World Spice (don't miss their Worcestershire powder), Mountain Rose, for esoterica and essential oils.

If your ever in NYC, Kalustyan's should be a place to go for any one who enjoys cooking and shopping for food.They also have a website that you can order from until that time
Prepare to spend some time on it if your a foodie
Spices,Chutneys,sugars the list just goes on and on
KALUSTYANS

try buying a coffee ginder too. That way you can buy whole spices and grind them as needed. In addition to staying fresher longer, they are more versatile. You can grind them fine as powder or leave them coarse, depending on the application.

For basic bbq and grilling, try these to start:

green, white, and black peppercorns
ancho, new mex, and chipotle chile powder
cumin
coriander
celery
granulated garlic and onion
turkish oregano

any combo of those will make a mean rub