spices

I'm clearing out the spice collection. Apart from getting depressed at the patina of filth that coats the glass shelves of the cupboards I also can't find anything when I need it. I know, spices are supposed to go off, however I operate a frugal (forgetful) approach and keep them 'til they are used up, hence the oriental style chicken stock that is perfuming the house at the moment and, no doubt, adding to the grease-based patina mentioned before.

And that is patina as in pat in a, none of that pat tina mullarkey, thank you. I'm busy but pedantry is fundamental.