Penzey's Catalog Question

[JeanneW]

OK, you guys got me believing that I needed to order spices from Penzey's so I requested a catalog. Now I think I'll go broke! It's so fun looking at it and deciding what to try.

I'm very interested in the salad dressing mixes. Any reviews/opinions on these? I'm interested in the ranch, parmesan peppercorn and green goddess ones in particular.

Thanks for any input. Jeanne

[Ralph]

Can't give you any reviews right now, but probably in the near future! A Penzey's retail store is going in downtown where we live in suburban Chicago. Based on the raves about Penzey's, I'll have to try it....

[bookworm]

It's funny you should ask, I just tried two of Penzey's salad dressings this week. The creamy peppercorn is wonderful, almost like a peppery ranch dressing. I used light sour cream and (gulp) real mayonaise. I also tried the french vinagrette which was very good. It had a strong mustard flavor. I also ordered the greek dressing but haven't tried it yet.

[Beth]

I sympathize, but can't offer much on those salad dressings. I have the Salsa and the Buttermilk, but to be honest, I use them more for cooking. I have put the Salsa in with canned tomatoes, black beans and such for instant out of season salsa. I use a little of the buttermilk on potatoes or rice. I usually go for light vinagrette type dressings on salads and only occasssionally have a ranch or something -- usually if we are eating out or at someone elses' house, so I don't make my own.

I have been buying from Penzey's for several years now...I would recommend buying what you really need and then trying a couple of extras depending on your tastes and cooking styles. The shipping charge used to get me thinking I should order more at once, but I seem to find something I will need to order after a while, so I just place smaller orders now. It's cheaper than many vices, and longer lasting. Skip dinner out and spend it on spices for the coming year.

[Ohioan]

I normally prefer to make my own herb and spice blends, but one of the Penzey's blends that I've come to use regularly is the Sunny Paris seasoning (very expensive). It's a mixture of shallots, chervil, tarragon, and a few other things, and I like to steep it for a while in the vinegar that I'm going to be using for a salad. It lends a lovely, fragrant taste to the salad.

Also, when I was still eating meat, I used to like the Bavarian blend on a pork roast.

Phoebe

[Grace]

Every Saturday morning, I pick my Mom up at 8:30 a.m. (she lives in Oak Park, a suburb of Chicago), and we go to the local farmers market. After we've poked around there awhile and loaded up on goodies, we go over to Penzey's and walk through the entire store. Most days I walk out with 3 or 4 bottles (the little ones, and most cost only $1.59), but sometimes I'll only buy one thing. I don't usually get any of the "blends" - I like mixing my own stuff up. But no Saturday is complete without a trip to Penzey's!! You all know where I'll be tomorrow morning....
Grace

[JeanneW]

Wow! You guys have given me some great ideas. Thanks. I'll be placing my first order tonight and eagerly awaiting its arrival. I love to get things in the mail!