I actually know very little about herbs and spices because I seldom did my
own cooking until I was diagnosed T2. I hate to admit it, but my "meals"
were primarily takeout and frozen meals. Now I am using almost all fresh
foods and eat out only when it is a genuine "eating out" meal with friends.
The problem is, I *do not* like "hot" or "spicy" foods, and they often leave
an unpleasant (sometimes painful) burning sensation in my mouth and throat.
I would like to try a few herbs and spices for cooking at home, but I don't
want to waste a lot of time and money by using spices when I have absolutely
no idea what they will do. Many recipes have a whole list of spices!

Can anyone give me some direction here? Other than the obvious ones like
chili powder, which spices would be considered "hot"? And which ones would
be "safe"? I realize that you can't list every spice for me, but how about
a few of the more commonly used ones?

Thanks,
MaryL