Tap Posted May 9, 2010 Share Posted May 9, 2010 We now have a store in Portland Oregon and I have found myself a bit addicted! I love to go in a get new combinations. It is so nice to cook a meal and get a different flavor. It seems like over the years, I have developed a habit of using the same spices, just in different amounts. I love buying the premade combos, and just using them as is. It is like someone else has cooked me a meal! Any suggestions? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ElizabethB Posted May 9, 2010 Share Posted May 9, 2010 Open them all up and smell them and pick one that smells good! I'm allergic to something in all of the combo spices, but my husband has tried several and likes them all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RoughCollie Posted May 9, 2010 Share Posted May 9, 2010 I like Chinese Five Spice Powder, Bouquet Garni, Southwest Seasoning, and Sunny Spain Seasoning. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jen in PA Posted May 9, 2010 Share Posted May 9, 2010 I love the smoked paprika! I also really like their ground ginger for times I don't have fresh available -- much better than ground ginger I have purchased elsewhere. And I second the five-spice powder, it's a favorite here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lynn in WI Posted May 9, 2010 Share Posted May 9, 2010 Chinese Cassia or Vietnamese cinnamon will change your life. If you enjoy pepper, spring for the India Tellicherry whole pepper corns. Sweet Curry powder is one of the easiest spices to add to anything for wonderful curry flavor. Those are my top three--I use them everyday in my cooking. Don't forget to pick up their catalog--it has tons of ideas and recipes. Have a blast! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dandelion Posted May 9, 2010 Share Posted May 9, 2010 Don't have that store here, but I've enjoyed reading about the spices posted by others... They sound fabulous! Happy culinary experimenting... :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sunkirst Posted May 9, 2010 Share Posted May 9, 2010 The Smoked Paprika makes split pea soup taste gourmet. My heat loving dh and ds are addicted to Vulcan Salt (on eggs, popcorn, you name it). The Vietnamese Cinnamon on fresh sliced apples is good enough for dessert. You probably can't go wrong! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RoughCollie Posted May 9, 2010 Share Posted May 9, 2010 Don't have that store here, but I've enjoyed reading about the spices posted by others... They sound fabulous! Happy culinary experimenting... :) Julie, if you are interested, they have a website. I order from it because the nearest store is a 2.5 hour round trip away. http://www.penzeys.com/ I tried it because people here recommended it. I have not been sorry. I figure as long as I stay out of the actual store, I can keep the number of spices I own to a manageable level. I usually order a couple of spices I've never used each time, just for fun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dandelion Posted May 9, 2010 Share Posted May 9, 2010 Julie, if you are interested, they have a website. I order from it because the nearest store is a 2.5 hour round trip away. http://www.penzeys.com/ I tried it because people here recommended it. I have not been sorry. I figure as long as I stay out of the actual store, I can keep the number of spices I own to a manageable level. I usually order a couple of spices I've never used each time, just for fun. Thanks - I'll check it out! And yes, keeping spices at a manageable level is a challenge for me too... ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JumpedIntoTheDeepEndFirst Posted May 9, 2010 Share Posted May 9, 2010 Chip Dip!!! Substitute for the grocery store packets in your favorite dips. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shalom22 Posted May 9, 2010 Share Posted May 9, 2010 California Seasoned Pepper is a must when I cook, as well as Mural of Flavor on the veggies. Just started using Sate, love it on chicken stir fry. Salsa Salad Seasoning and cumin are wonderful for guacamole. I just love going to their store, but I usually order online to keep myself under control. Also, once you get on the mailing list for the catalog, there is usually an offer for a free spice or money off deal on the cover of the magazine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dirty ethel rackham Posted May 9, 2010 Share Posted May 9, 2010 I just love the Chili 9000. It is DELICIOUS. It makes the best chili ever! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kalanamak Posted May 9, 2010 Share Posted May 9, 2010 We now have a store in Portland Oregon and I have found myself a bit addicted! I love to go in a get new combinations. It is so nice to cook a meal and get a different flavor. It seems like over the years, I have developed a habit of using the same spices, just in different amounts. I love buying the premade combos, and just using them as is. It is like someone else has cooked me a meal! Any suggestions? Greek seasoning...good dressing and fantastic for chicken dishes, marinades for kebabs, etc. French basil Rogan Josh (if you make rogan josh...every easy for making meat very good) true cinnamon cake spice (fast to add to oatmeal, etc) Italian seasoning (fast to add to pasta) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kalanamak Posted May 9, 2010 Share Posted May 9, 2010 The Smoked Paprika makes split pea soup taste gourmet.! :iagree: You can also add one of their smoked chilies, whole, and fish it out before serving. I like their chili con carne for bean chili even more than the straight chili powder. It gives a bell pepper fresh over tone. Don't forget Aleppo.....a tiny bit of heat, a louder tang of citrus and an over all "fresh" taste. I like the half sharp paprika instead of cayenne in many recipes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tap Posted May 9, 2010 Author Share Posted May 9, 2010 Ohhhh you guys are killing me!!!! I was hoping to narrow down the choices....you have expanded my list instead LOL Keep them coming, I am looking forward to a year of new dishes coming my way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HollyDay Posted May 9, 2010 Share Posted May 9, 2010 I like Sandwich Sprinkle but I do not buy it often. I buy all my cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg from them. Their chili spice is great. So are their vanilla beans.... Oh yes, their lemon zest..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jen in PA Posted May 9, 2010 Share Posted May 9, 2010 I just made a nice soup for lunch with both the smoked Spanish paprika and celery seed. Also, they have the best poppy seeds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brilliant Posted May 9, 2010 Share Posted May 9, 2010 Pasta Sprinkle is one of my faves. Great on pasta, but my favorite thing to do with it is sprinkle it on a bagel w/ cream cheese. It makes it taste as good as any herbed cream cheese I've ever had. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moira in MA Posted May 9, 2010 Share Posted May 9, 2010 Nobody has mentioned garam masala yet -- I always have that on hand. Other than that I usually use single spices and create to suit my own tastes. As to keeping herbs & spices at a manageable level -- I have more than 50! ~Moira Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KarenNC Posted May 9, 2010 Share Posted May 9, 2010 I received my first set of seasonings from them for Yule this year and I'm hooked :). I really like the buttermilk ranch and creamy peppercorn dressings (I mix the two for a peppercorn ranch flavor). I didn't care for the green goddess (too sweet). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spy Car Posted May 9, 2010 Share Posted May 9, 2010 I'm also a fan of the smoked Spanish paprika. Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arch at Home Posted May 9, 2010 Share Posted May 9, 2010 We like the Fajita, Porkchop, Chinese 5-Spice, and 4/S season salt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kalanamak Posted May 10, 2010 Share Posted May 10, 2010 Their candies ginger is stingless, and lovely on gingerbread or to suck for nausea or sore throat. My ex IL's said their cloves and turmeric were top notch. I use the extra bold pepper, and their white pepper is fresh! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZooRho Posted May 10, 2010 Share Posted May 10, 2010 Italian herb mix Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OhM Posted May 10, 2010 Share Posted May 10, 2010 A friend gave me a gift box for Christmas several years ago - the cinnamon and paprika were so much better than the grocery versions. But I haven't bought from them since I ran out - I'm inspired to now (we even have a store w/in 45 minutes.) The smoked paprika sounds intriguing! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Punchie Posted May 10, 2010 Share Posted May 10, 2010 Vietnamese cinnamon Sumac (wonderful addition to hummus) Greek Seasoning We buy all of our spices from Penzey's. They're better quality and you get more bang for your buck (esp if you buy them in the bags vs the jars). I love them! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tap Posted May 10, 2010 Author Share Posted May 10, 2010 If you buy them in the bags how do you store them? Do you leave them in the bags or transfer them to bottles? Do you get the bottles at Penzeys or somewhere else? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RoughCollie Posted May 10, 2010 Share Posted May 10, 2010 If you buy them in the bags how do you store them? Do you leave them in the bags or transfer them to bottles? Do you get the bottles at Penzeys or somewhere else? I use small (1 cup) glass canning jars with lids. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tap Posted May 10, 2010 Author Share Posted May 10, 2010 I use small (1 cup) glass canning jars with lids. Brilliant!!!! I have a ton of those. I make freezer jam every year in those so there are a lot laying around. Do you have a creative way of making lables? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NancyNellen Posted May 10, 2010 Share Posted May 10, 2010 The Chicken and Rib rub is my favorite! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RoughCollie Posted May 10, 2010 Share Posted May 10, 2010 (edited) Brilliant!!!! I have a ton of those. I make freezer jam every year in those so there are a lot laying around. Do you have a creative way of making lables? No. If I made labels, they would look awful because my artistic talent is at the lowest end of the scale. So I take the easy way out and I write the contents on the top of the lid using a Sharpie. I have about 8 canning jars of spices -- I buy them in the containers otherwise. I can pretty much tell by looking what is in those jars. Edited May 10, 2010 by RoughCollie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meet me in paris Posted May 10, 2010 Share Posted May 10, 2010 Cake spice and pasta sprinkle are my favorites! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScoutTN Posted May 10, 2010 Share Posted May 10, 2010 Fajita, medium hot chili powder, cinnamon, lemon pepper, vanilla and greek are our faves. But reading these posts, I'll have to branch out and try some new things next order! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carol in Cal. Posted May 10, 2010 Share Posted May 10, 2010 There is now a Penzeys in cruising range of where I live! I had no idea that they were opening up stores away from headquarters. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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