Poll: Your favorite Penzy's item?

[KimKelly]

I just got a Penzy's catalogue, and spent all day carrying it with me to thumb thru it as I did things around the house. I circled all the items that looked good to me and have added up over $50! (All that and all I needed was vanilla!)

I'm curious if you all out there with Penzy's "experience" have favorite items? I've heard raves about the double vanilla....anything else?

Thanks...
Kim

[Nirak]

Where do I start? I love everything from Penzy's and over the years have converted my entire spice collection. The double vanilla is a must. We also love the cassia cinnamon. We use the chunks in our coffee maker for a lovely taste and then use the ground in everything else. I'm not a big fan of spice blends, but I'm addicted to "Sunny Paris" and to "Bavarian". I use the bavarian as a rub for any pork and it makes an easy "gourmet" meal. I also love their pepper. Even though I spend a lot of money filling an order, the unit price is unbeatable and the quality is excellent.

[donleyk]

I can't pick... If I need spices I just order. Everything from Penzey's has been great.

I can tell you if you order their bay leaves you will never buy them from the grocery again! Everything is so fresh..... Good luck!

[funnybone]

I've ordered a couple of times from Penzey's, and the first order was just over $50. I love the vanilla, the cinnamons, basil, peppercorns, etc. I try to stay away from blends because I like to mix my own. If you are unsure of what you want, buy what you need first. The orders arrive so quickly too. However, you do get the most value out of ordering more, because of the shipping costs. I buy the smallest jars as well.

[Jewel]

I am a big fan of their Madagascar Vanilla Beans, and I also love the California Pepper Blend. I think the spice I use the most, however, is the ground Adobo Seasoning!

So far, I haven't been disappointed in anything I've purchased from them. I'm learning something new though! What is Double Vanilla? Is it an extract?? How do you measure it in comparison to straight vanilla? I'm getting ready to pull out the catalog next week for another order, and I don't remember seeing that one! :D

[Terrytx]

I am like the other, I like everything...cinnamon, peppercorns, thyme, Mexican oregano, and on and on. I am not much of a blend person either, but I do love the Bangkok seasoning and the Barbecue of Americas.

[Jessica]

I am so lucky in that I have a Penzey's only a couple miles from my house (maybe that makes up for the fact that the nearest Trader Joe's is 450 miles away).

Anyway, I have quite a few Penzey's spices and I like them all, but the sweet curry powder and the cinnamon stand out as impressive. I am slowly replacing all my grocery store spices with Penzey's and the difference in taste is incredible.

[Nirak]

The double vanilla is just that -- twice the strength. You can use half as much but I don't because I love the taste. I have found that using Penzy's vannilla & coco to bake with produces excellent results. In fact, people have doubted that I have accurately shared recipes because their version doesn't taste the same. BTW, I never understood people who wouldn't share recipes or who would leave out an ingredient. What an unnecessary power trip!

[gertdog]

I have lots of things from Penzey's that I love. If I had to pick one as a favorite, it would be a toss-up between Maharajah curry powder and the pizza seasoning.

If you buy $50 worth of spices from Penzey's, it will be money well spent!

[JanetB]

GREEK SEASONING!! It is great for salad dressing, chicken, salads (just on top)! I use it quite a bit. Italian seasoning (same thing). Garlic and Onion powders are both great! And, I use the Parisian seasoning quite a bit too.

I also like the Sandwich sprinkle. It is a little heavy on salt - but sooo good. I also just used their pickle seasoning - - pretty good - but I have never made pickles before - so I don't know if it compares to homemade!

My only warning is - these are not store-brand spices. Where you used to pour on the garlic - - - slow down!! I have poisoned a few things with spice since these are so much stronger!

And, shy away from buying their pre-made packages if they are for you - - - you will save money by picking out your own.

Have fun!

Janet

[KimKelly]

OOOHHH! Thanks you so much for all the posts! I seem to be on the right track as most of the things mentioned are what I have picked out. The double vanilla, adobo, California Pepper... and on and on. I'm off to make my order.... Thanks again!
Kim

[catharine]

I bought all of the standard spices, and love them, but I was also enticed my several of the blends. So far my favorites are:

1) Sicilian Salad and Garden Salad Seasonings – I love these sprinkled over pasta with a little “I Can’t Believe Its Not Butter” spray. The best is the little itty-bitty ravioli in bags from Trader Joe’s with these spices sprinkled over them. So good!
2) Buttermilk Dressing Base – I use this in tuna salad, pasta salad, etc. I don’t even follow the directions (although the one time I did it was excellent). I just stir some into the mayo before I add the tuna/pasta/potatoes. It is a really quick, zippy addition.

But so far everything I have ordered has been totally worthwhile – I finally convinced my mother to order – she is going to be so pleased!

Enjoy!

[Ohioan]

I, too, have been delighted with everything I've bought from Penzey's, and believe me, I've almost bought out the store -- by mail order, that is -- over and over since 1998. :) But I agree with Nirak about the "Sunny Paris" being addictive; I can hardly make a salad without it any more.

Also, both basils (French and Californian) and the Turkish oregano are out of this world. No, they're in this world. I haven't tried the Martian herbs yet.:p

Cheers,
Phoebe

[Julia1Pin]

I just made my first Penzey's purchase on-line. With tax, $70.37.

I bought:
15 vanilla beans
Balck Sesame Seeds
California Basil
Whole Bay Leafs
Ginger powdered china
Pickling Spice
Peppercorns White
Shrimp/Crab Boil
Empty Jars
Rosemary Cracked


Can't wait to go through my spices and make the appropriate substitutions!

[Lauren]

I'm so glad to see this thread! I drool over the catalog but have never placed an order. I'm going to do it this weekend!:)
Lauren

[Little Bit]

I couldn't resist de-lurking to respond in this thread! (Hope this works.)

I really love the Special Extra Bold peppercorns. I'm surprised that such a basic item could taste so much better than the pepper I used to use, but now I wouldn't cook without it.

Their garlic powder is amazing too.

[Beth]

Greetings, Little Bit! Don't be a stranger.

I have shopped with Penzey's for several years, but I don't remember those peppercorns. DH is a huge pepper fan (took a pepper grinder and an espresso maker to the office), so I'll have to give them a try.

[nezbit]

I've sent several of their gift packs to all of my friends. Eveyrone has loved them.

I keep saying it is about time I purchased some for myself. Definitely will do. I was looking at some of the different mixes for grilling, the curry, saffron, vanilla, etc. I think my dream order was about 75 or so. --

How do you guys store your spices so you can get to them?

[RobinC]

You all have inspired me (enough to even for this lurker to dust off her login & password and post)! I am going to dig out my Penzy's catalog that I recieved the other day and hunt through my spice shelf to note my most used spices. I think I am going to set a $50 budget. It seems kinda of high at first, but after reading your posts, I am sure that I could easily spend way more than that.

High on my list will have to be a few of the curries. I think basil, oregano, and rosemary will also be right up there. Oooh, the double vanilla sounds like something that needs to be on my shelf too. Hmmmmm, am I up to $50 yet? :D

[psuahr]

My last purchase included the vanilla sugar, which I am enjoying. I suppose I could make it myself, but sometimes it is fun to indulge a whim with a product like this. I like using it when I make chai.

[SusanMac]

I have a question about the Adobo spice mentioned a few places here. What/where/when/how do you use it?? I adore the canned peppers in adobo sauce and would be really interested in getting the spice. Send any ideas and tips you've got!

[erinl]

After reading all of these posts, I checked out their website and was thrilled to see that there is a store nearby. Yea! I can't wait to check it out!

[SueK]

I have loved every item I've ever bought from Penzey's, so it is hard to choose!

I guess my favorites are the Ground Chipotle Pepper (great to "kick up" tomato soup!), Brady Street Cheese Sprinkle (I use it in tuna fish salad) and the Pizza Seasoning, which my whole family loves. All in all, I'd say you can't go wrong with anything you buy from Penzey's!!:cool:

[Tiger]

Originally posted by SusanMac
I have a question about the Adobo spice mentioned a few places here. What/where/when/how do you use it?? I adore the canned peppers in adobo sauce and would be really interested in getting the spice. Send any ideas and tips you've got!

Susan- I was wondering the same thing.

[Joyce]

I'm addicted to the Maharajah Curry powder. I never liked recipes with curry, but after buying this, I search for them!!

[Lrimerman]

I have become a Penzey's fan as well. Slowly I will convert my spices to all penzey's. DH says I can't buy any more spices for 6 months, but that won't stick. I bought in bulk and ordered empty jars and the make it yourself gift boxes and made custom boxes for mom and MIL for Hannukah, my mom loved it.

The do it yourself gift boxes are really great, they have an enormous amount of bayleaves (couldn't even fit them all in the box) and several cinnamon sticks and 2 nutmegs. Bought one for DH (myself) and wrapped it up too.

I use the double vanilla like crazy. Cocoa and cinnamons are the best bar none. Have fun, it becomes a habit, you won't be able to buy any other brand of spices again.

Lisa

[Chiffonade]

The regular stuff like allspice berries, etc. are pretty fail-safe but if I had to choose one, I'd probably pick their medium chile powder. Robust and fragrant, it's a great addition to dishes even if they're not chili.

[pattyp.]

No one mentioned Fox Point. I'm on my second bottle. It's good in vegs., scrambled eggs, salad. It's a great blend.

[schuh]

Favorites so far: double vanilla, cassia cinnamon, sweet curry powder ... I haven't been unhappy with anything yet. Love their recipes too. I just splurged and bought their cinnamon sugar, which is divine (I never thought I'd let someone else mix sugar with cinnamon for me but theirs is really good). I've purchased a handful of the blends and haven't used them much.

My DH didn't understand these periodic $50 charges for spices. When my most recent order came in, I put store-bought cinnamon in one bowl and the Penzey's Cassia cinnamon in another. I had him and the my two boys smell both and tell me which they'd rather have mixed with sugar on their toast. All of them picked the Penzey's without hesitation.

I have Nirak to thanks for all these $50 charges...

[rachel b]

Kim,

I hope you enjoy your spice order. As mentioned, the Greek Seasoning is very good - I use it a lot on salads. If you make pizza at all, I recommend their Pizza Seasoning. Another great item is the Ground Red Chipotle Seasoning. This can be used in sauces, chilis and even to make great dips. If you don't mind a bit of spice, it adds a great smokey flavor to anything!

[sunberst]

i have loved everything i have tried from penzeys.

however i probably use the "pasta sprinkle" the most. i use it in almost anything other than pasta though... in scrambled eggs, hashbrowns, sprinkled on top of a baked potato, in sauteed shrooms, veggies, etc.

their salad dressing mixes are easy & delicious.

i also like the madagascar vanilla beans.

btw- they sell small & large sizes of almost all their spices. i buy the small ones to start out & sample with, then i buy the large if i really like it.

[beckms]

Originally posted by sunberst
btw- they sell small & large sizes of almost all their spices. i buy the small ones to start out & sample with, then i buy the large if i really like it.

Good point...If you pay close attention to the weights, you'll notice that it's often more economical to buy the larger quantities in a bag. When you buy the jars, I think you're also paying for the jar itself, whereas when you buy a bag, you're only paying for the spice and getting much more for your money.

My absolute favorite and most-used spice from Penzey's is the Chipotle Chile Powder. YUM! My favorite blend is Fox Point, but beyond that, I've found that I'm not that crazy about the blends. Also, I have to say that I would rather spend my money on store-bought vanilla. To me, it tastes just the same in recipes (commence rotten-tomato throwing).

Penzey's is great; I wouldn't dream of buying from the supermarket again! Their customer service is wonderful and very personal, the spices re generally cheaper, and IMO they are much better than store-bought.

[greysangel]

I'm with Rebecca...that chipotle powder is the best!!!! I will *never* tinker with mincing chipotles and spooning sauce into ice trays for freezing again!

I also use fox point like sun berst uses the pasta sprinkle...I love it...on potatoes, on chicken and pork, pasta dishes, eggs...YUMMY!

I also love their cocoa...it's awesome stuff and I love baking with it...cl's cocoa fudge cookies rock with Penzey cocoa.

I buy most of my spices through penzey's now though I still do grocery store for things like garlic powder, chili powder and pepper.

I recently tried their sate seasoning and I really like it...very mild but enhances alot of indian dishes without adding heat.

oooh the herbs de provence is also wonderful!

:D

JeAnne

[slknight]

I think everything from Penzeys is great. That's the only place we buy any spices.

My new favorite is the Brady Street Cheese Sprinkle. Sprinkle a little of that with some garlic and olive oil on Italian bread and toast. As my MIL would say, "You'd think you'd died and went to Heaven.":D

[Minky]

Thereis no Penzey's even remotely close to where we live :( so I logged onto their site... it all looks great, and I've got my wish list going, but have a question.....

Do they really pack your order in boxes with bay leaves, nutmegs, and cinnamon sticks as it appears on the website?? I wondered if maybe it was too good to be true:p

[beckms]

They only pack the gift boxes with the bay leaves, nutmeg, and cinnamon. If you just order spices alone, that's all you get. I suppose you could do a make-it-yourself gift box and send it to yourself, to get the loads of bay leaves they send...but it might not be worth the extra money.

[Alethea]

Gosh, there's so much to love.

But I think my favorite item was the gift that introduced me to Penzeys. My parents gave me a bag of the tellicherry peppercorns and zaussenhaus(sp?) pepper mill one year.

And the gift boxes (either do-it-yourself or pre-packaged) have always been absolute hits with people who are into cooking.