Spice and Herb Substitutions
As a general rule, start with half of the amount the recipe calls for (unless directed otherwise), and add the spice until it suits your taste.
Allspice: cinnamon, dash nutmeg or dash cloves
Aniseed: fennel seed or a few drops anise extract
Cardamom: ginger
Chili powder: dash of bottled hot pepper sauce plus a combination of oregano and cumin
Cinnamon: nutmeg or allspice (use only 1/4 of the amount stated in recipe)
Cloves: allspice, cinnamon or nutmeg
Cumin: chili powder
Ginger: allspice, cinnamon, mace or nutmeg
Mace: allspice, cinnamon, ginger or nutmeg
Nutmeg: cinnamon, ginger or mace
Saffron: dash turmeric (for color)
Basil: oregano or thyme
Chervil: tarragon or parsley
Chive: green onion, onion or leek
Cilantro: parsley
Italian Seasoning: blend of any of these: basil, oregano, rosemary and ground red pepper
Marjoram: basil, thyme or savory
Mint: basil, marjoram or rosemary
Oregano: thyme or basil
Parsley: chervil or cilantro
Poultry Seasoning: sage plus a blend of any of these: thyme, marjoram, savory, black pepper and rosemary.
Red Pepper: dash bottled hot pepper sauce or black pepper
Rosemary: thyme, tarragon or savory
Sage: thyme, marjoram or sage
Savory: thyme, marjoram or sage
Tarragon: chervil, dash of fennel seed or dash aniseed
Thyme: basil, marjoram, oregano or savory