Toasting

Not bread here, but spices, including peppercorns. Toasting spices brings out the flavors of their aromatic oils and perfumes; it should be done right before using the spices.

Put the spices in a frying pan that will hold them in just one layer and heat gently until you smell the aromas coming off. If you see smoke, throw out the spices, turn down the heat and do it again in less time. Or you can put the spices on a sheet pan in a 375-degree oven for a few minutes, but I think the stove top allows for better supervision.