July 27, 2024 The Best Source of News, Culture, Lifestyle for Culver City, Mar Vista, Del Rey, Palms and West Los Angeles

Good Taste: Adding Spice To Life

By Barbara Bishop

 

Today my culinary talents took a huge step forward by making a visit to Penzey’s Spices in the South Bay. There was one in Santa Monica; unfortunately, they closed several months agoWhen I was first starting out in my cooking adventures, I would follow the recipes exactly, to the smallest detail. Now, it’ so much more fun changing it up, especially with different spices.

What’s really impressive about Penseys is the huge selection – more than 250 salts, peppers, spices, rubs, seasonings, seeds, dried peppers and other dried fruits and vegetables from all over the world. I don’t know where to start! I am always looking for new spices for roast chicken and BBQ steak, so I start there

The front window facade and the lighting fixtures have the look of an old-time country store. The wood floors give the place a warm, homey feeling and there’s the smell of a myriad of spices. Like a kid in a candy store, I want them all! Especially around the holidays.

Do you know how long spices are good for? I ask one of the helpful sales people. She tells me that ground spices last up to one year, and whole spices last up to two years. Storage of the spices, she said, is also key. Spices must be stored properly to maintain their original intensity and freshness. They can be stored in a glass container and be free of exposure to light, moisture, air and heat. Good to know.

So many spices, so little time! As I meander down each isle looking for the perfect spice, I discover that there are jars of each spice that you can smell before you buy. I come across a spice called Bancock Blend, mixed with sweet peppers, garlic, ginger, black pepper, galanmagal, hot peppers, lemon grass basil and cilantro. I smell it. Wow – it packs a punch!

Then I find a Bavarian-style seasoning, hand-made from crushed brown mustard, rosemary, garlic, thyme, bay leaf and sage – mmm, so earthy. Good possibility for my Thanksgiving turkey.

Penzeys Spices was not always exclusively a spice company. In 1957, Bill Penzey Sr. started a small coffee and spice business in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Over time as the business grew, he focused solely on spices and herbs.

In 1986, Bill’s son, Bill Jr. started a mail order business supplying spices to people all over the U.S. In the late ‘90s, the company began opening retail stores. Penzey’s now has 50 stores in 24 states.

After carefully going down each isle, I find the perfect spices for me — for chicken, it’s Rocky Mountain, a blend of green bell pepper, Parmesan cheese, salt, sesame and poppy seeds, shallots, arrowroot and green peppercorns. The second one I selected for chicken is Sunny Paris, a combination of purple shallots, chives, green peppercorn basil, tarragon, bay leaf and dill weed. Ooh-la-la!

For steaks, I choose the Chicago Steak rub. It’s hand-mixed and contains salt, Tellicherry, black pepper, sugar, garlic, onion, lemon zest, citric acid and natural smoke flavor. I am from Chicago, and miss those backyard barbecues when I was a kid. I’m hoping this seasoning will take me back there!

Get your spices on at Penzy’s.

For those of you who miss the Santa Monica location like I do, go to their website, it’s easy to order everything you need; go to www.penzeys.com.

Related Posts

Fatal Two-Vehicle Crash on Marina Freeway in Culver City

July 26, 2024

July 26, 2024

One Man Pronounced Dead After Fiery Collision A fiery two-vehicle collision on the Marina Freeway late Wednesday night resulted in...

Vivian Jenna Wilson Slams Elon Musk’s Claims on Social Media Post on Threads

July 26, 2024

July 26, 2024

Wilson Reveals Details on Controversial Billionaire, Has Had Enough By Dolores Quintana Elon Musk’s daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, reacted on...

Governor Newsom Issues Executive Order on Homeless Encampments in California

July 26, 2024

July 26, 2024

Los Angeles Officials React to Governor’s Strongly Worded Message  Today, Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order that stated, “Governor...

Julia Holter to Perform at The Getty Center’s OFF THE 405 Summer Concert Series

July 26, 2024

July 26, 2024

Experience Avant-Garde Music and Stunning Views With Free Admission on July 27 The Getty Center’s annual outdoor summer concert series,...

Sloths Summer Night at La Brea Tar Pits: Free Museum Admission and Sunset Picnic

July 25, 2024

July 25, 2024

Experience Live Sloth Encounters, Curated DJ Sets, and Local Food Trucks on July 26 The La Brea Tar Pits will...

LA’s First Ninja Warrior Training Facility Opening Soon in Los Angeles

July 25, 2024

July 25, 2024

Facility to Offer Comprehensive Training Programs for All Ages By Susan Payne The first dedicated ninja warrior obstacle training facility...

(Video) The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills’ Celebration of One Year at Its New Location

July 24, 2024

July 24, 2024

Now at 9705 S Santa Monica, and filled with delectable cheeses, cured meats, fresh bread, and wines of every description,...

LA Times Announces 8th Annual Food Bowl Festival at Paramount Studios

July 24, 2024

July 24, 2024

Three-Day Event to Feature Over 40 Restaurants and Culinary Demos The Los Angeles Times has announced the details for the...

Go Go Bird and FoodBeast Editor Collaborate on New Chicken Sandwich, “The Reach”

July 24, 2024

July 24, 2024

Chef Brandon Kida and Reach Guinto Create Nostalgic and Exciting Sandwich Go Go Bird is one of the best fried...

Alfred Coffee Launches New Breakfast Burritos, Bagels, and Baked Goods

July 24, 2024

July 24, 2024

New Collaborations with WAKE AND LATE and Artissant by Artelice Alfred Coffee has announced the launch of its new breakfast...

Surprise Announcement: All Roads Pinseria + Enoteca is Now Open in Brentwood

July 24, 2024

July 24, 2024

The Grand Opening Celebration is Still Scheduled for Friday, July 26 In a surprise announcement on Monday, July 22, All...

Elon Musk’s Controversial Remarks on Trans Daughter Spark Outrage

July 24, 2024

July 24, 2024

Musk Repeatedly Deadnames His Daughter, Claiming He Was Tricked Elon Musk, in an interview with Jordan Peterson for the website...

USPS Honors Alex Trebek with Forever Stamp on His 84th Birthday at Sony Studios in Culver City

July 23, 2024

July 23, 2024

Ceremony Video Includes Tributes from Jean Trebek and Ken Jennings On Monday, Alex Trebek would have been 84 years old,...

Actor Rob Lowe Lists Luxurious Beverly Hills Estate for $6.6 Million

July 23, 2024

July 23, 2024

Mansion is Located in the Prestigious Franklin Canyon Area  Rob Lowe has put his estate in the prestigious Franklin Canyon...

Brentwood Mother Speaks Out After Assault, Raises Concerns Over Suspect’s Release

July 22, 2024

July 22, 2024

Carmina Lu, New Mother Attacked in Broad Daylight, Tells Her Story  I spoke to the victim of the recent sexual...