friday field trip
I often talk about the amazing spices I use in my cooking and recipes. Today, since I need to restock on some items, I thought I would make our Friday field trip to Penzys Spices in Norwalk, CT. I have been to the Penzys location in Grand Central Station in New York City also, but it wasn’t until my lastest visit to the Norwalk store that I discovered there are 68 retail locations! I never realized Penzys locations spread across the country.
It is extremely easy to become addicted to Penzy’s products. Once you try something from Penzys, it is impossible to use grocery store spices again…the product is so superior and makes food so much more flavorful. My visit was prompted by a need for more mulling spice. Last weekend I used the last of what I had to make some mulled cider to enjoy by a bonfire. I had been making myself pumpkin lattes lately and needed a change! Mulled cider is so seasonal and so simple using the Penzy spice combination.
Including Penzy flavorings in holiday baking is an instant way to improve any recipe. If you want to try a product and one of the 68 stores is not within visiting distance, check out the website: www.penzeys.com I really prefer to actually visit the store. I enjoy looking at the variety of products and collecting the recipe cards that are displayed throughout the store.
One of the most important tips about spices that I have learned at Penzys is to store spices AWAY from any type of heat source. Don’t so many people store their spices on top of the stove? To maintain strong, fresh flavor, spices need to be stored properly. Heat, light, moisture and air all speed the loss of flavor and color. Avoiding light is also important and is the reason spices should be put inside a cupboard or drawer. Definitely keep any type of open spice rack out of direct sunlight.
A photo of an array of spices offered for sale at Penzys Spices in Norwalk, CT.
A photo of one of the many gift assortments available at Penzys Spices in Norwalk, CT.
Everyone has their own favorite spices, but I think my favorite from Penzys would be the fajita spice. I can no longer make chicken fajitas without marinating the chicken in the easy recipe on the Penzys fajita seasoning jar. It is fabulous. And, because I love to bake, it would be hard for me to do without the vanilla and cinnamon. This time of year cocoa, pumpkin pie spice, lemon rind, etc. are all great flavorful items to add to baking. And, there is a whole chili section in the store!
I asked at the store about the shelf life of the average spice…don’t we all have a few spices we bought for one recipe and have had on the shelf for ages?! WHAT is that spice lol?! A good guideline is to buy a one year’s supply of herbs or ground spices, and a one to two year supply of whole spices. Most spices are havested only once a year, so it does not make sense to discard them after a shorter period than a year. The flavor components will dissipate over time so it is not wise to keep them long beyond a year. When in doubt? Smell it. If it smells strong and spicy, use it. If not, toss it.
Next time you are in the market for spices, give Penzys a try…I think you will be glad you did!
Thanks for visiting, Jackie