Sniff and then search

If you want to try some new spices but don’t know how to use them, Sherrie Hahn of World Spice Merchants suggests that cooks take a sniff.

“Open a jar and smell it and see what comes to mind,” she said. “See if it makes you think of making” a specific dish.

Even if it doesn’t, know that you’ll be able to find recipes using the spice or spice blend somewhere — online or in cookbooks.

Hahn’s firm has published a book with 75 recipes using 13 spice blends. “World Spice at Home: New Flavors for 75 Favorite Dishes” by World Spice Merchants owner Amanda Bevill and Seattle author Julie Kramis Hearne is available through the company’s website for $24.95. A “flavor companion” that includes all 13 of the blends themselves can be purchased separately for $34.95.

The book and spices together cost $53.95 and includes three additional spices. Recipes also are available on the company’s website.

“Beyond the Curry with Bharti — Authentic Art of East-Indian Vegetarian Cooking” by Bharti Sanghavi is available at Indian Groceries & Spices, 10701 W. North Ave., Wauwatosa, for $28.95. It is also available on the store’s website ( ishopindian.com) for the same price, and with free shipping when ordering only the book.

Recipes also can be found The Spice House website ( thespicehouse.com).