Don’t be overly generous when you use herbs and spices. They are supposed to compliment a dish without drowning the flavor of the food itself. Herbs and spices should be added towards the end of the cooking time. If spices are cooked too long, the result may be overly strong flavors.
Remember that cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and allspice love sweet dishes.
Some seasonings can be used very successfully after cooking. Black pepper, garlic powder, salt and cayenne pepper can be put on the table so that the people can help themselves.