In contrast to many men, our two son-in-laws are rather easy to buy for at Christmas. For one, as long as Sports Illustrated (minus the exploitive swim suit edition.) Yes, it can be ordered that way is included, he is pleased. For the other a gift card to Penzey’s Spice and Herb store is always well received. Even if those two gifts were not included they would still be gracious. Since giving those gifts, I have started reading Sports Illustrated and Penzey’s has become one of my favorite stores. I can now shout at the TV “pass interference” and “he came to play” as if I knew what I was talking about. But the real discovery is how many spices and herbs there are and how they can change the taste of even the common foods we enjoy. Let’s face it, a boiled chicken breast may be healthy but it is as bland and tasteless as a bland boiled chicken breast. Add a few well selected herbs and spices and the dish is transformed. Whether it is Tex-Mex or Curry or Harissa or Sichuan Pepper or Thai Basil or the hundreds of other spices, herbs and blends, all have enriched our culinary world. Would it change our view of the world to view other cultures and countries as gifts rather than as enemies? We share the spices; could we also share the table?