Check the Yellow Pages if you don't know of any shops in your area. There are also many mail-order and Web sources that specialize in these ingredients. Although some spices can be bought ground, if a recipe calls for ground spices it is best to purchase dry spices in their whole form and grind them yourself in small quantities as you need them. They should be ground in a clean electric coffee grinder. Don't forget to wipe the blades clean when you're finished.
Spices are dry-roasted in certain recipes.
Do this in a heavy cast iron pan that has been heated first. Just stir the spices around until they are browned lightly and develop a wonderful nutty kind of aroma. You can then store the roasted spices for several months in an airtight jar. All rights reserved.