Happy Thursday all! Today's post is not all that much about frugal as it is about finding great supplies for the pantry. I love spices, flavorings and dehydrated goods. Over the years I have found a source that I have gotten exceptional products from. The place is Spices, Etc. You can order online. Or you can call to get a catalog.
Is it cheap? NOT so much!
Are products good? YES
I have so many different liquid flavorings. I use in jams and jellies, cakes, pies, ice cream, etc. I have ordered lots of dehydrated goods over the years. Gallon jars of dried soup mix is a favorite. It lasts for years and it tastes good and it is ever so important (to me) to have on hand. I have ordered powders of all sorts. Not one thing has been a bad decision.
I can sit for hours going through the catalog!!!! It is just fascinating. They have about anything you can dream of.
Just thought I would share, as we have so many good cooks here. Not the cheapest items, but it sure makes cooking a little more fun.
DON'T FORGET - clocks move forward this weekend (for those that have to). I sure wish that we would leave things alone - but noooooooo.
So make sure you aren't late or early for something! SPRING FORWARD!
Have a blessed day!
Cheryl, thanks for the spring forward reminder. We don’t change here in Arizona but I need to remember when I call others. Hilogene in Az.
ReplyDeleteYou are lucky. I wish they would just leave it alone. Welcome for the reminder!!!!
DeleteCan't do without spices! There are some this old gal can't tolerate any more but the Farmer loves his spices. We have bought items from The Spice Lab. Have to check out your source.
ReplyDeleteIt seems that the folks who have time changes detest the process. Count me in on that! Nooooo! The sun is shining brightly this morning and I can see that the red climbing rose outside the window by my desk is budding out. Hopefully we won't get socked with bad weather this month.
I love seasonings. More than spices, I like the flavorings and the fry goods.
DeleteYep, I could do without this crazy change stuff as well. Pick one and leave it alone!
After today - it sounds like we are going to get some pretty chilly air. I am afraid some things will get thwarted once again. I saw a tree all in bloom at the park the other day - I do believe it will get froze. Seems it happens a lot any more!
I love cooking and crafting with herbs and spices. I have used Penzey's, San Francisco Herb Company, and my garden seed supplier.. who also has some herbs, spices, and teas, etc for sale, they are Pinetree Garden Seeds. I also am trying to grow and dry more of my own or if I see a clearance deal at the store on fresh herbs that is cost effective, I will dehydrate them myself. It's fun to make up your own mixes of Italian seasoning, etc.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the names of the other companies - that will be helpful to many.
DeleteI do grown some herbs and I like making my own blends as well. It is fun to experiment a little.
I grow and dehydrate a lot of herbs myself and use Mountain Rose Herbs for many others. They always have an awesome supply. Thanks for telling us about this company, I'll check out their website. My forsythia trees are all in full bloom and other things are starting to already get buds. I'm worried about the weather this weekend. I really wish they'd just leave the time alone. Illinois voted years ago to leave it and it passed but it still hasn't been implemented. Have a great day Cheryl.
ReplyDeleteGood for you - I love that so many grow their own.
DeleteI am starting to see things come to life around here as well - it is going to get cold this weekend. Dang it - it happens more and more. I sure hope it doesn't set everything back.
I am so over the time change. They need to make up their minds and then leave it alone.
I am not a great lover of herbs but do use some spices, for me the best place is the Asian supermarket. It's also a good place to buy beans and lentils etc, some I have never heard of before. Several years ago peppercorns were about £2.50 for 20g (?) in the supermarket at the Asian cash and carry I could get 500g for 99p! Obviously prices have gone up, but it's still a lot cheaper and a more exciting place to shop.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I have ever bought dried soup mix and the limit of my flavourings is soy sauce, worcestershire sauce, mustard and marmite, I have simple tastes!
Our clocks don't change until the 26th but I wish they'd stop messing too, it sends everyone out of flunter and upsets our animals. Is there really a need for it today?
I agree with you 100%. Ethnic markets are a great resource. You can find so many spices, beans, rices, etc. for pennies compared to other stores. There is a big market not far from me - I need to go shopping at again. It has been a long while.
DeleteI don't understand the need in todays world for the time change. I know it used to help farmers - but today it just a bad habit!!!!!! Yes, even the animals are disrupted by normal routines. I don't like it at all. Daylight hours are increasing any way - we don't need that to mess it up as well.
Spices are mine and my husband's weakness! We love trying out different flavors and kicking things up. We go to supermarkets when traveling to check out spice blends as our souvenirs. I will definitely be checking this company out. Thanks much!
ReplyDeleteNow that is a neat souvenir!!!!!! I love that.
DeleteHave fun - it sure is hours of browsing!
I'm one of the lucky ones who doesn't have to change my clocks. But like Hilogene, I appreciate the reminder because my programs will be on at different times!
ReplyDeleteYou lucky gals! It sure does mess things up.
DeleteMy best bud generally keeps me in spices. Both her and her hubs love to cook so she orders a lot. She usually throws in small 4 packs for us. Some are rubs, but most are just normal. I am not an adventurous cook so I use little.
ReplyDeleteFunny thing happened this morning. We normally get up at 4:30am. I woke up at 3:xx and couldn't go back to sleep. Grr!! So I was really sleepy this morning. I finished my morning chores early and decided to take a little nap until I my bud called. I figured about 40 minutes. About 20 minutes in, I am awoken by a snare drummer in my living room. HOW, you ask?! Apparently, a woodpecker was enjoying his own concert on our spark arrestor on the fireplace!! It was loud and blasted out of there, causing both me and Puppers to jump up!! Pup is barking his head off and the little drummer boy is having a good time!! We got about a 10 minute solo lol. Pup stopped barking, but would inch towards the hearth when it was quiet, only to jump backwards when it started again!! Definitely a humorous event!!
Another cool and overcast day. I get notices from the utilities about weekly usage. Lately, it's been, Good for you! You're using 7% less energy than this time last month. Then, I get a bill for $10 more lol. Can you imagine if school worked like that? You got A's on all the tests, but I'm sorry to tell you that you failed the class!!!😂. Sheesh!
That is very nice of your friend!
DeleteOh that is funny. I can only imagine what a rude awakening that was!!! LOL
I bet pupper thought he was being infiltrated! I home the crazy bird moved on and is no danger in the fireplace.
Don't ask me to figure out utilities. Go figure!
That’s right, who can figure utilities. I got a notice from my provider telling me that my next bill would definitely see an increase....so I was careful with usage, and then when the bill arrived it was $15 cheaper than the previous one.
DeleteI put it down to the two new solar lights I bought that I leave out in the day and bring in at night for use like a lamp, a low level to see where I’m walking. It’s worked well. Louise
Here's a crazy one for you. We use propane, and we didn't use the full amount we contracted for last season. We were penalized with a hefty charge because we didn't use it all. Does this make sense? NO. Cookie
DeleteAaaccckkkkk!!!!! You gals have me shaking my head.
DeleteLouise - thank goodness it was cheaper - but they are just down right nuts!!! You may be right on the solar lights. That had to help - seems to be the logical explanation.
Cookie - penalized because you didn't need to use it????? Now that is insane.
It seems utilities along with several agencies (ahem) do whatever they want - the way they want. No rhyme or reason.
GEESH!
Cookie, I sure hope we don't run into that problem with our propane company. Yikes! What we did run into is the electric company wouldn't approve the original plan for our solar; they said our usage was too low for the number of panels planned. We now have 9 instead of 12. Meaning they didn't want a zero bill--or to have to pay us--because the solar was too efficient for our needs. It's finally all hooked up. 9 months after contracting for it. Now I cross my fingers and pray.
Delete--Elise
You made me laugh today, Debby. Thanks so much for that!
Delete--Elise
Thank you for the info, Cheryl. I'll check them out. And thankfully, I'm another Arizonan who doesn't have to change clocks twice per year, but the reminder IS useful since others do.
ReplyDeleteFor those who've been following along, BIL arrived yesterday and will head back to CA today. He's rented another storage unit, making it 4 units @ $500 per month (total)!!!! He's also going to make one more U Haul truck trip *before* coming with a fully loaded pick up and trailer. Since we have little available storage in the house, and he wants some things stored in a house, our nearby son offered 1/2 a storage closet in his house. We haven't figured out yet what he's going to do with the golf cart he won't part with. We don't have a garage. Son doesn't have a garage. Prayers appreciated. --Elise
Yesterday I read Luke 12:13-21, the parable of the rich fool. Verse 15 really stood out (for me). Especially right now.
DeleteWhat is he thinking?????? Does he have the money to get his own home? Well, probably not if he is going to be paying all that money for storage. That is nuts.
DeleteIt just amazes me what the love of things and money can do. I can understand why the message stood out. My gosh, that is so crazy. It sounds like he has a bit of a 'hoarding' thing going on!
GOOD LUCK
Not sure what his budget is for a house, but there really aren't houses big enough for all that stuff in our area, even the super expensive ones. This... could... take awhile. Something Hubs and I refer to as "a challenging opportunity for growth." I did let him know before he left this evening that our house is a fraction of the size he's used to and we just don't have storage space. Maybe being here around the down-to-earth folks who make up our community will be a GOOD thing. --Elise
DeleteHope he learns SOMETHING while there!!!! I feel for you!
DeleteThanks for the reminder and your herb and spice source. I have only ever used Penzey's as their facilities are dedicated gluten free. I also grow some herbs too. Love, love, love making my own seasoning salts, spice mixes. The latest I tried was a copy cat version of Bob Evans sausage spices and some Italian sausage spices. I will definitely look into Spices, Etc, Cookie
ReplyDeleteHope you find something you can use. It is fun to just look if nothing else - so many ideas. The Bob Evans spices sounds interesting - that would be good with plain ground pork. Care to share????
DeleteCheryl, I got the recipe from justapinch.com/bob evans copy cat sausage recipe. We thought it was quite authentic tasting. Cookie
DeleteThank you, Cookie!
DeleteTHANK YOU!
DeleteNo changing of the clocks in Saskatchewan, which makes me happy. I wonder if I can get a Canadian version of that spice company. I will check tonight.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Glad you don't have to switch.
DeleteI am not sure - but there may be. It is a pretty big place - been around a long time. Good luck!
I wish we could have DST all the time. That is a great catalogue.
ReplyDeleteI just wish they would choose one and keep it! Thanks.
DeleteThank you for the catalogue info! I usually get basics from Sam's or a Greek place in the city. Dollar Tree has a great deal on pink salt btw! : )
ReplyDeleteDaylight savings time....Yuck. lol
I have gotten pink salt at Dollar Tree as well. I generally stick close to home for buying goods - but some of the dehydrated goods and powders are wonderful from here.
DeleteNeed to check that out! : )
DeleteThat sounds like something right up my alley. I’m going to request a catalog. Thank you, Cheryl. 😊
ReplyDeleteYou are very welcome!
DeleteI usually buy spices in bulk by the pound. I try to stick with products grown in the USA unless it's an unusual spice unique to a certain region. I have quite the supply. Most of those 2 oz spice jars are at least 1.99 here and often as much as $5 or 6 depending on the spice. So if I can buy bulk at $1 an ounce or less I figure I save time from running out to buy another jar or I actually save money because most here are an average of $3 or 4. I use a lot of spices and they keep for a very, very long time. I also share with my mom and daughter so they never have to buy spices. Just a little way I can help them stick to their budgets.
ReplyDeleteI feel like my spices are my secret weapon! I can turn simple ingredients into a lot of different things with my spices. My husband likes to grill and smoke meats and I have yet to have to buy a spice he wanted to use in a rub or marinade. I also make my own blends which are really pricey around here.
~margaret
Yes, spices are expensive - so to be able to get them cheaper is wonderful. There are a lot of exotic ones at this place and also the dehydrated and powder goods are good. That is what I tend to get and then it lasts forever. I don't buy often. I do like ethnic stores as well - good assortments.
DeleteMaking your own blends is wonderful - you can sure get some fun flavoring!