Like many folks, I have a spice rack. But apparently I use spices that aren’t included in said spice rack…like garlic powder, onion powder and paprika. I am Italian…we put garlic & onion powder in our cereal. And for every family event I get assigned deviled egg duty…hence the need for paprika. But somehow I have also acquired many other little bottles of flavor that have been jammed into the cabinet. But I can’t see them.

My solution? Well, something like this –

Seems pretty simple right? Well for the low low price of $11 it can be mine. Is a dozen dollars too much? In this economy, you can betcha Beyonce’s booty it is. So I decided to make my own. Crafty McSpiceshelf…that’s your new name after you follow these simple instructions.

First, clean. That’s right. Everytime you use pepper or garlic or tarragon (what’s that for?!?!) a wee bit gets on the bottom of your cabinet…go ahead and wipe it up. Next, measure the width of your uber-clean space.

Next, cut three pieces outta a 2×4 to the exact width you measured. I had some wood laying around in the basement so this was no-cost to me. If you aren’t the type to have studs hanging around ya, well I am sorry. Maybe a workout will help. jk. They cost under $3 at Lowe’s or Home Depot.

Self explanatory. Stack em in the back em.

Create the ‘step’ by putting the first in front of the back two. Easy peasy booty squeezy. Now that they all fit, you could spice up your new spice shelves by yankin em out, givin them a nice new paint job or stain them to match your cabinets and reassembling. I didn’t because I am too lazy right now…it’s not on the goal list peeps.

Next, organize your spices on your new shelves. I put the bigger stuff in the back. It works on my body…thought it could work here too. I also put the most used spices up front so the next time I cook all I have to do is grab and shake it…like…a…salt…shaker…like…a…polaroid…picture.

So there you have it – my no-cost spice shelf. Uber-useful, right? So what about you guys? What’s your spicy situation? Do you rack it, shelve it, or drawer it? C’mon, spill the salt.
Then make sure you throw a pinch over your shoulder, then brush your shoulders off. (any excuse for a dance move, right?!)