The right spice combination can transform a dish from the humdrum to the sublime. What’s more, we are learning that spices possess exceptional anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory powers. Music to a runner’s body!
Penzeys, an online and catalog spice seller with a smattering of retail stores throughout the country, is the last word on quality spices. They are the real thing: invariably fresh, intense and vivid. The newest Penzeys order is cause for an impromptu celebration. The spices are a riot of color and fragrance. Each order includes a free sample, along with an epiphany—so that’s what ginger is meant to be. The spices cost far less than those drab jars of so-called spices languishing on grocery store shelves.
My newest favorites: the Middle Eastern spice combination, Zatar (terrific on couscous, sautéed corn, and broiled pita bread with olive oil) and Spanish smoked paprika (sprinkle on salmon, sauces and soup.) We burn through Penzey’s powdered ginger, Vietnamese cinnamon, double strength vanilla and southwest seasoning. Friends rave about Penzeys’ peppercorns, candied ginger, sea salt, red pepper flakes, poultry rub, hot dried chilies, chili powder, oregano and cumin.
The Penzeys’ catalog, both worldly and nerdy, is chock full of details about each spice (and some recipes.) Ordering online could be streamlined a tad, but each order is impeccably rendered.
You may never go back—-
