opinions: soup bases

[karen w]

I am going to be placing an order for some spices soon, and during my perusal of Penzey's and The Spice Houses web sites I came across these. They appear to be sold in jars. My question is...Has anyone every tried these? Are they better than canned broth(which can sometimes leave alot to be desired!)? Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks,
Karen

[heeter]

Karen - I have tried boullion bases that are a thick paste that comes in a jar. The flavor is very intense and is great for sauces and gravies. I've also used the chicken for chicken soup and dumplings just to intensify the flavor. But in my opinion the are best used in gravies. If I had a critical point it would be that you only use a spoonful or two and for me I might not use it for another 6 months which makes me alittle suspect to it's refrigerator life. But it hasn't stopped me from buying it and using it, I just start all over each time.

Heather

[Wienie]

Karen, I use both the Gourmet Chicken Meat Base and the Beef Tea base from, I believe, The Spice House. I love them. I don't bother buying canned broths anymore. For me, they make a great broth, much more flavorful than canned. They are a little bit more intensely flavored, but you simply add as much as your tastes. I also add them, as is, to stews,chilies, pasta dishes and tomato sauces. The Beef Tea is great added to sauteed mushroom and onions. I refrigerate both and have never had a problem with them. I go through the Chicken container pretty fast, but I've had the Beef Tea in the fridge for almost a year and it's fine.
Hope it works out for you.
W.

[mightyh]

what's the nutrition info like on the chicken base? I usually get the "healthy choice" chicken broth with less sodium and was wondering how this would compare.

[karen w]

Thanks wienie and everyone else for the info. I think I'm going to try a chicken base first to see if I like them since I use chicken broth most often. It certainly would be more convenient than canned broth if it tastes as good or better.

[Wienie]

Sorry, I haven't responded. Just saw your request today.
I'll check the label tonite (I'm at work) and get back to you.
W.

[Wienie]

Karen, if you still care, here is the Chicken Meat Base label info:

1 t. serving (makes 1 cup stock)
Calories: 10
Fat: 0
Sodium: 720
Sugar: less than 1 gm

This really makes a nice rich broth.
Wienie