Got my Penzey's catalog...any recommendations?

[heidibowman]

I had seen so many raves for Penzey's spices on this BB I requested the catalog.

Spent some time Sunday afternoon perusing it. So many interesting combinations. So many sound tempting.

Are there a couple/three anyone would recommend to start with?

Thanks!

[JanetB]

I really like the Greek seasoning and the Italian seasoning blend both make great salad dressing and good chicken.

I will note that the cost of shipping is based on the total price - so I would order at least five - that way you don't feel quite as taken by the shipping. I would also say that the slow delivery is a little quicker than expected. I think says it is something like 10-14 days - I got the stuff in a week or so.

[Tiger]

Go to the top of the page and hit seach. Than type in Penzey's spices and you'll get of reviews like the following http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/Forum1/HTML/007003.html

[Cathy]

Bicentennial rub for roast chicken! Also, the Black Peppercorn salad dressing mix is wonderful. You can make it light by using lowfat or nonfat mayo and sour cream.

[This message has been edited by Cathy (edited 05-09-2001).]

[kwormann]

We got incredible cumin seeds there!

Kim

[Wienie]

There's a number of recommendations on this thread.
Enjoy!http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/Archives/Archive-000001/HTML/20010301-1-001221.html

[Jewel]

The Ground Chipotles are wonderful, and I also bought their Adobo Seasoning. Gives the smoky flavor of the Adobo sauce in the Chipotle can in a shaker! We use both on our scrambled Egg Whites! I've also used both as a rub for my chicken before I smoke it in my stovetop smoker, and it's to die for. In fact, that's the chicken that I use in Lorilei's Chipotle Chicken Enchiladas and my husband almost swoons! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

I've also converted to their Madagascar Vanilla Beans. Wonderful aroma and the easiest I've ever worked with because they're not hard and dried out! Cheap too in comparison to store-brands.

[valeriek]

The sandwich sprinkle is out of this world. I find myself putting it on everything from pasta to potatoes to salads (funny, I haven't tried it on a sandwich!).

[Searcher]

I was overwhelmed at our store by the Vietnamese cinnamon! I know it's not the finest you can buy but, boy, did it smell good. I also bought Herbs de Provence and Fines Herbs (I sprinkle one or the other over my roasts of beef). The crystallized ginger is pretty good but you can make that fairly easily yourself.

Boy, I wish that store were closer. It's a two hour drive almost each way. ::sigh::

[Danielle]

We love the Pasta Sprinkle! It tastes great in anything that calls for oregano.

[funnybone]

I just placed an order from them. I made the "Sinnabon's" on the weekend and was disappointed in my regular brand of cinnamon (it was a new bottle, and did not taste much like cinnamon).

So, I decided to splurge and replace the spices and herbs I use the most along with some new ones and the double strength vanilla. I ordered the Vietnamese cinnamon, so I am hoping it will be fragrant. I even ordered them to ship 2nd day, so I am really anxious to receive them.

[Mamasue]

funnybone,

Cooks Illustrated show on TV this past Saturday had cinnamon testing. If my memory is correct the China Cassia was voted the best and the Vietnamese was recommended more for adding the cinnamon spice to ethnic foods versus for baking because it has a strong flavor with a kick. Just thought you might be interested to know this info. Oh, and the taste test was with 3 of Penzey's cinnamons and one other brand. The other brand came in last and just a regular dull cinnamon flavor! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[This message has been edited by Mamasue (edited 05-14-2001).]

[luv2cook]

i just made another trip. I love to hate that place! I can tell you that every spice I've bought from them has been fantastic. It is still hit and miss on the blends, tho. That's totally a preference and salt thing.

Word to wise: If you hate tarragon like I do, watch the blends. Their spices are so fragrant that you can't hide it...always read what's in there...

[heidibowman]

Well, I placed my order online on Saturday. I think I did 3-5 day mail. I'm so anxious! I took everyone's recommendations down and whittled down to $50 (!!) worth of stuff (and I ordered the smallest bottles of everything I ordered). I'll let you all know how they work out. Thanks! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif

Heidi

[Chefmom]

From my last order, the one that stands out the most is the Ancho Chili powder (or is it pepper!?). It is heavenly and I have used it in many tomato based dishes and it made my taco meat so rounded out!! It's not spicy, but smoky and fragrant and RICH for a spice. It is one that I will NEVER let run out.

I also ordered the freeze dried Chives to use in longer cooking items, and to tie me over until mine are full enough to harvest, and I must say they actually have flavor, and I'm pleased.

So far, I have NEVER been disappointed in anything from penzeys!! You can't go wrong!

If you are ordering for the first time, order things that you want to try or you are low on and use reguarly.

Tami

[funnybone]

Heidi - my cost was about $50 too. I got the smaller bottles as well - except for the peppercorns. I can't wait for the order to arrive. I am not sure how quickly they ship them out. I ordered yesterday so I am hoping they will ship today or tomorrow.

[Linda in MO]

Originally posted by Mamasue:
funnybone,

Cooks Illustrated show on TV this past Saturday had cinnamon testing. If my memory is correct the China Cassia was voted the best and the Vietnamese was recommended more for adding the cinnamon spice to ethnic foods versus for baking because it has a strong flavor with a kick. Just thought you might be interested to know this info. Oh, and the taste test was with 3 of Penzey's cinnamons and one other brand. The other brand came in last and just a regular dull cinnamon flavor! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[This message has been edited by Mamasue (edited 05-14-2001).]

I love Penzey's China Cassia cinnamon! Other favorites that come to mind are pizza seasoning, Greek seasoning, basil, adobo seasoning, Tellicherry black peppercorns, Brady St. cheese sprinkle, and Madagascar vanilla beans. About the only thing that I've bought that I didn't like was their cocoa powder. I think it was very good quality, but I just didn't like the taste. It was too rich and "dark" tasting for me.