After receiving a beautiful, handmade spice rack as a gift, we started wondering why we've never made one on our own. There are so many online tutorials explaining how to construct clever racks, including this one sent to us from a dedicated AT reader. Many types of canisters will work but because cooking is so scientific, we love the look of test tubes in the kitchen.
This specific project was created by blogger Melinda Swenson who likes to pick a theme, such as "chili ingredients" and fills her test tubes with the appropriate spices. Personally, I would like mine filled with an array of gourmet salts.
These days, you can usually buy test tubes from the local pharmacy but we've found an amazing one-stop science shop where you can order a variety of tubes along with some beakers and flasks if you feel another DIY project coming on.
(photos by Melinda Swenson)
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Comments (11)
I like being able to stick a tablespoon into my spice jars.
While beautiful, it sure seems like you'd be refilling them all the time.
I agree, stefaroooni. They're a little small.
But I think this would be a great way to give some gourmet spices as a gift! Maybe, as mentioned, a bunch of chili-related spices, or ones that work well in Indian food, etc. Especially if you make your own spice blends.
I have a set of these. Quite frankly, I don't think the cork provides a tight enough seal to keep my spices really fresh.
Also, the preprinted labels don't stick for long. I ended up doing my own labels and putting them lengthwise on the glass tube.
i would actually debate that cooking isn't really that scientific - it has more to do with balance than true cause and effect science. compare that however, with baking, where the most successful recipes depend on the exact measurement of ingredients and how they react to one another.
and as a person who does my fair share of cooking, i agree with the others above - i prefer mine in larger jars where i am able to accommodate measuring spoons and a twist cap to ensure my spices last as long as they can.
I hate the sticker labels ... I am definitely doing this project but i have to say that i'm etching a label on the glass instead of stickers. It's more beautiful that way.
Needs two hands not air tight too small cork pieces in food (extreme rolling probability x material fragility) = one of those ideas that appears clever and cute until you actually start cooking.
I have 4 sets of Rundtal magnetic spice jars with tops wide enough to dip a measuring spoon into for those rare occasions when I actually need to, but I find these easier to use for some reason. Pop the lid, pour, put back in place.
Not really that technically different that unscrewing the top, setting it on the counter and dipping the measuring spoon in, but in practice I find it a lot smoother. Plus, clear sides mean I don't even need labels. And the little popping sound the cork makes is very satisfying.
If you cook a lot these are totally impractical. You can't get a measuring spoon into them, they probably aren't very airtight and, most importantly, spices should be stored away from light. If you store them outside of a cabinet they should be in opaque containers. (That is my major beef with those cute round magnetic holders on so many fridges.)
It is definitely cute as a gift.... and then you go on with your real life in the kitchen...
They are super cute but a bit hard to measure from. My tip is to never use them around the stove. If they get any kind of moisture in them at all they harden up and become impossible to use. I eventually had to get rid of all mine. I love how they look though.