The OFFICIAL Unofficial Achewood Message Board
Trivial Pursuits => Sports & Leisure => Topic started by: CortJstr on January 09, 2007, 06:38:47 pm
-
The board membership is clearly down with the tasty food. So what I want to know is where do you crazy chefs get your spices?
Alton swears by mail order, and Penzeys was the first hit on Google but I don't know if they're any good. I don't see myself grinding at home (not yet at least. I don't even have room for a blender in my current kitchen) so is it even worth ordering if I'm just going to buy ground anyway?
-
You can almost always find fresh spices and herbs at your local farmer's market, usually more than you'll ever use for less than you'd pay for a standard jar/bottle at the grocery store (like $2.19 for 8oz of nutmeg). If you do want to grind at home, just get a cheap $8 coffee bean grinder, and dedicate it to spices -- our coffee grinder is black, and our spice grinder is white, but otherwise, they're identical.
-
I order from Penzey's and I've always found that it is good fresh stuff. I always buy more than I need, though. There is no point in buying good spices and then keeping them around so long that they go stale. So remember that spices are very light and four ounces of powdered ginger is a lot more than you probably think.
-
You can almost always find fresh spices and herbs at your local farmer's market, usually more than you'll ever use for less than you'd pay for a standard jar/bottle at the grocery store (like $2.19 for 8oz of nutmeg). If you do want to grind at home, just get a cheap $8 coffee bean grinder, and dedicate it to spices -- our coffee grinder is black, and our spice grinder is white, but otherwise, they're identical.
I wish it were that simple. For some reason my farmer's market only has herbs, no spices. Plus I was recently looking for Szechuan peppercorns. I went to Whole Foods and two asian markets with no luck. Amazon has it for like $6.50/oz while Penzys has it for like $2.25/oz. I figure it also wouldn't hurt to get a couple other high-use or long shelf-life items such as a nutmeg nut, chili powder, and maybe cumin while I'm there.
-
I got regular peppercorns from Penzey's and thought they were better than the ones I bought recently from Whole Foods when I ran out. That's something with a long shelf life that you could get.
-
I actually mostly eat frozen boxes of things I find at the local Albertsons.
The world of the gourmet would require either a large amount of time or a large amount of money... or some lesser combination of both... having none of those three options, I mostly eat frozen boxes of things from the local Albertsons.
The world of the foodie is a far away world that only exists in my television and, occasionally, in wonderful cookbooks that people get me for my birthday or Christmas.
When I was a little kid, my mother would watch probably two hours of QVC a night when she got home from work. She worked a very difficult job as a floor nurse at the local rural hospital, she flat out needed to sit for a coupla hours when she got home. You're essentially walking for eight hours when you do that job.
She would do her bills and drink tea and... passively watch QVC, full of gadgets she would never have a use for and clothes she probably wouldn't enjoy wearing and... so on and so on. But here's the thing:
In my entire childhood, from five to the day I left for college at eighteen?
I think she bought five things from QVC. I think two of them were gifts for me, one for my brother, one for my father. I think in thirteen years, she bought... like... one thing from QVC for herself. Maybe a dress she couldn't find at the Hess in Utica or the Macy's in Albany. Something like that.
It was passive and calm and happy stuff for her to zone in and out of while she was resting. A world she'd kind of like to live in but... ultimately... it wasn't enough of her reality to invest any real time or money into. Her world was being a mom and then a nurse and... somewhere down the list... a wife.
The Food Network, I guess, is my QVC. There's a world full of people using... white peppercorns and brining and specialty vinegars that... I love learning about and love thinking about but... isn't my world. There's no plausable way I could really be a part of that world.
Yet its pleasant white noise that I enjoy and project myself into.
And sometimes I even heat the frozen boxes from Albertsons first.
-
I was exactly like that until, like, July. The SO and I realized that we ate out too much and Lean Cuisine's weren't cutting it as dinner any longer so I bought Help, My Appartment Has a Kitchen and went from there.
I've progressed to the point that for Christmas I got a Microplane grater/zester and was actually excited. That thing effortlessly zests like a motherfucker. I'm also looking for more things to use my miso in, besides soup and this one chicken recipe from Eating Well.
-
Columbus is lucky enough to have a meatspace Penzey's. It's the bomb and worth every penny beyond the McCormick bottles at the megamart. I consider buying ground spices as another step in mise-en-place and I'm willing to tolerate a moderate loss of flavor because I ain't got time to fuss around with grinding anything other than pepper.
'Tis true that dried, ground spices weigh MUCH less than you might think. Buy light and buy often if you're really concerned about freshness, even though a well-sealed bottle of Penzey's that sits on your shelf for three months is probably still fresher than a brand new bottle you'd get from a big chain grocer.
-
Oh, shit, dude! GO TO AN ETHNIC GROCERY.
I go to the Filipino and Asian grocers here to buy spices. They come in huge, honkin' bags for pennies compared to the teensy bottles of Spice Island that you get at the regular supermarket.
The other alternative is to go to Health Food Stores where they have spices in bulk. This is HEAVENLY. You can get anything you want, and it's usually available both in whole form and in ground-up form. You can buy them in smaller amounts so there's no waste.
In Colorado, I always just went to the Indian grocery stores. You can buy fenugreek, tumeric, cardamom, etc. and make your own curry powder. Toast the spices in a hot, dry skillet before grinding them in a spice grinder (a coffee grinder works great for this, and you can get those for $10 at places like Target). Alternatively you can crush them in a mortar and pestle, if you're down with that.
-
I was exactly like that until, like, July. The SO and I realized that we ate out too much and Lean Cuisine's weren't cutting it as dinner any longer so I bought Help, My Appartment Has a Kitchen and went from there.
Lately the Technical Staff is constantly uttering those five words no woman - or at least, not this woman - wants to hear from her spouse ("we eat out too much"). I know perfectly well how to cook, but have decided that the value of this skill is to know whether I am getting my money's worth when I pay other people to cook for me. But, he thinks he is getting fat. And he is unable to A, stop ordering too much in restaurants, or B, take half of it home for lunch.
So right now I am cooking a curry with, in fact, some spices from Penzey's. But I am cross about the whole thing. For one thing, eating out does not leave the kitchen in such a mess.
But back on topic... We used to have an Indian grocery where we bought spices, but it's gone. It was fine for whole spices but I still think that the ground spices were fresher from Penzey's. We also used to buy in bulk at health food stores, which is good as long as you trust yourself to judge the freshness by smell. But I find that none of the local stores sell spices in bulk anymore.
-
Cooking is something I think I'd be good at, if I had any interest in it. I brew good beer, and I always get compliments on stuff that I do cook up (generally from Mexican or Italian cuisines). My mom is a born cook who uses cookbooks when she wants to try and make something specific, but otherwise makes wonderful savory concoctions apparently from thin air. She just knows what things would taste good together.
Spices-wise, I know a few people with rosemary bushes, or where some wild fennel grows or the like, and use that when I can. It really does make a difference. Otherwise, Schillings is my purveyor.
-
ok, so, just wondering... what counts as Eating Out Too Much? My family never eats out, so, I have no basis. Other than "if you eat (dinner) out more than once a month, it is too much."
-
ok, so, just wondering... what counts as Eating Out Too Much?
My girl says there is no such...
Ahem. No comment.
-
Oh, shit, dude! GO TO AN ETHNIC GROCERY.
I went to two. But no luck on the peppercorns. I did find crazy cheap dried shiitake mushrooms though.
Growing up we ate out once a week. Mainly because I'm a very picky eater and I hate American food. So as I child I was down with some tasty restaurant food. Also: behaving in public.
-
My girl says there is no such...
Correct answer. My position is that as long as you aren't spending more money than you can afford, of course, there is no such thing as eating out too much.
In fact, I feel we have a moral obligation to eat out as much as we can afford. It is a boost to the economy. It supports many more people than eating at home would. We have no children, so shouldn't we be spending enough in tips to put other people's children through college? It takes a village, and all.
-
Correct answer. My position is that as long as you aren't spending more money than you can afford, of course, there is no such thing as eating out too much.
In fact, I feel we have a moral obligation to eat out as much as we can afford. It is a boost to the economy. It supports many more people than eating at home would. We have no children, so shouldn't we be spending enough in tips to put other people's children through college? It takes a village, and all.
It also limits pregnancy, which is a further boost to the economy, results in fewer dependants, and also means less people needing to go to college. There is no downside, however which way you interpret the phrase.
-
Columbus is lucky enough to have a meatspace Penzey's.
You have in no other way offended me but, on principle, I have to deduct one can for use of the term "meatspace". It is simply on principle. Even used innocuously, it contributes to an unhealthy view of the separation of internet and reality.
Internet is not a different reality. Internet is a tool we use in the one reality you've got.
It is one of those words that inadvertently encourages people who believe that The Real Them is the centaur they use in Second Life and all their brethren and sistern who make up the people they wished they could've been and become that person on myspace.
-
Judy! Is this a theoretical girl, or a real girl? You Have a girl!
-
It also limits pregnancy, which is a further boost to the economy, results in fewer dependants, and also means less people needing to go to college. There is no downside, however which way you interpret the phrase.
Heh! Yeah, just make sure that you shave regularly. Oh, and avoid doing something retarded like eating hot wings beforehand. I have a horrifying story about that one.
-
oh my GOD, does that... I...
I had never even thought about that. Christ.
Gross.
-
I believe I plugged www.penderys.com in the chili thread. They carry all kinda spices, good stuff.
Agree with Choop on the grinding-your-own suggestion. We also have two coffee grinders, one strictly for spices.
I also agree with the ethnic market suggestion. Hispanic markets will have cumin, coriander, and lots other stuff on the cheap. For those in NoVA/DC, go down to "Little Chirilagua" aka Arlandria and you can find plenty of good outlets, plus those really good thick Salvadorian tortillas.
Also, a good Asian market will have garlic powder, peppercorns, what have you. More NoVA: You MUST visit the Super H in Fairfax, and make sure you get some of the rice cakes from the back right corner of the store. They are FRIKKIN' AWESOME. Bombay Foods, also in Fairfax, is a good Indian supplier, as is the infamous Indian Spices and Applicances on Wilson Blvd. in Arlington.
Of course, if you want turmeric, garam masala, or black mustard seeds, you could just come to my house. I have way too much of all of those.
-
Heh! Yeah, just make sure that you shave regularly. Oh, and avoid doing something retarded like eating hot wings beforehand. I have a horrifying story about that one.
ZOINKS!!!
-
as is the infamous Indian Spices and Applicances on Wilson Blvd. in Arlington.
I don't think that exists any more. I found "Indian Spices and Appliances" at 3000 N 10th St in Arlington via Google. I live 3 blocks from that address and all I see is a Subway and Futons, Futons, Futons!
We have an indian market we go to on 29 and an asian market on Columbia Pike. We've basically decided that if we need to go further away than either of those two places we'd rather just do mail order.
-
oh my GOD, does that... I...
I had never even thought about that. Christ.
Gross.
Yeah, my ex-fiance was a real crap dude. If he came near me with an unshaven face I'd kick him, but the fuck*ng Buffalo wing sauce...that took a few minutes before I realized something was wrong. Then there was much screaming and frantic washing. Kind of like a reverse situation of what happened to that dude in Apocalypto who just wanted to be able to father children*.
*In Mel Gibson's terrible film "Apocalypto", which I HATED, one of the tribal elders played a practical joke on a character who is having difficulty with fertility. The elder gives him some dried leaves to rub on, uh, himself before having relations with his lady. The gag is that his mother-in-law is screaming at him to get into the hut and not return until he's produced a grandchild, so he's all embarrassed. Next thing you know he comes running out of the hut screaming and trying to wash himself off, and his wife is also screaming and trying to rinse out her mouth, and it's supposed to be pretty hilarious...but I had a hard time laughing because you have to have tragedy plus DISTANCE to equal comedy. I've been in a similar situation, and it ain't funny.
-
The missus went to a restaurant supply wholesaler today and found a bottle of pink peppercorns. I've never even heard of these. They're redder than pink, really, but it's not like they mixed red peppercorns and white ones.
This is Atlanta. If the DC metro doesn't have a store like this, you might not be looking hard enough.
-
Jeeze Cort, I don't know if your locale is anything like my locale since I have no problem getting any spices or herbs I need. I did have to spend a few hours searching out the correct peppers for Mole Poblano since we don't have much of a Mexicano contingent locally, but it was a "joy of the hunt" sort of thing, and I did find them. Then again, I'm the sort of lady who loves the idea of spending a week collecting ingredients for a single meal, then spending a whole Sunday creating it. There's a joy in going from market to market. It's something we, as a society, don't do much anymore, but I just love the adventure. So I spit on the idea of mail order, even though you said you and your lady aren't in to venturing too far outside your own burrow. To me the key is to head for the ethnic ghettos. Identify where the ethnic groups who's spices you are seeking out traditionally gravitates to housing-wise and hit up a bunch of mom and pop places around there.
Also, seriously, don't go to the nice places, go to the places that people who live in the area would walk to out of necessity, and ask the little old guy/lady who probably doesn't speak much English who's sitting behind the counter. If s/he doesn't have what you want s/he will be able to tell you where to find it. It can be time consuming, especially if you're dealing with folks who don't speak your language, but it's also a lot of fun, and once you've done it a few times you'll have a mental inventory of where to go for what for all future occasions. Neatly print out the ingredients you need - I can't tell you how many times a little old person took my list from my hands and either consulted with someone else or lead me down a maze of crowded isles to hand me what I need. I know where to go for good quality Saffron at 50% less than any mainstream grocer (but the same places's meat looks like it would kill you!) and there's this place that sells hair extensions, pomades and wigs - but in the back they have isles ans isles of Indian and Carribean spices! These little gems are what it's all about to me. It's like a treasure hunt fo' real, yo'!
Also, spice grinder? How 'bout a pestle? Every shop in my china town sells 'em for very cheap, and if you get a little marble or stainless steel one it'll last for life and not take up too much space.
Side story: when hunting down chili's negros for the above noted culinary adventure, I hit up an African spice shop. As soon as I stepped in I could see that this place did not have what I needed - the shelves were pretty bare, but I always take at least one turn through a shop before bailing. The guy behind the counter was chatting it up with another guy in the otherwise empty shop, blasting an African language soap opera, and they both paused and checked me out head to toe, with some lingering. Then they exchanged words and the one guy left and suddenly the counter guy really wanted to help me, and he moved in way to close for comfort - a close talker. I was too embarrassed to ask for what I was looking for as he practically chased me around the store, with me backing up down the isles. I couldn't ask an African guy for chili's negro, could I? It just seemed... inappropriate, and clearly this was a place that sold rice and a variety of beans, and that was about it. Finally, as he continued to persist, he just took my list from me, looked it over, and agreed that he didn't have any of the stuff. He seemed embarrassed too, after reading the list. Then he asked me what type of food I was making, since he didn't recognize any of the ingredients. I told him Mexican, he said "are you Mexican!?" with a lot of shock and some disappointment in his voice. I said no and sort of apologize-ed-ly explained I was cooking Mexican food but not Mexican myself. He directed me to another place, but was all about the chatting, trying to convince me to make something else that would require ingredients he sells, as I backed out the door. I could still hear his voice as the door swung shut behind me. It was an incredibly socially awkward moment for me, and I just wanted to get the hell out of there.
-
You have in no other way offended me but, on principle, I have to deduct one can for use of the term "meatspace".
I did originally type "brick and mortar" and replaced it with "meatspace" because I thought it sounded funnier.
The diction was in no way intended to draw a distinction between two realities - Columbus just happens to have a Penzey's where I can walk through across a threshold and spend actual cash money in return for goods that someone will put directly into my hands, as opposed to clicking to a website, entering a credit card number, and waiting for delivery.
Aside: I was a Media Studies major (whatever that means) in college and I think the concept of taking away a Tiny Can (an arbitrary and virtual token of approval or appreciation) as a means of discouraging a real person from drawing distinctions between the Internet and "real life" is meta in a way that would be suitable for a 12-page paper.
-
Yeah, my ex-fiance was a real crap dude. If he came near me with an unshaven face I'd kick him, but the fuck*ng Buffalo wing sauce...that took a few minutes before I realized something was wrong. Then there was much screaming and frantic washing. Kind of like a reverse situation of what happened to that dude in Apocalypto who just wanted to be able to father children*.
My first girlfriend was totally the opposite. Not about the hot sauce part but the unshaven. If we were getting together Saturday I was basiclly supposed to stop shaving Thursday.
Smells, my SO feels like that when she has to interact with any clerk ever. And we already have to go to Harris Teeter and Whole Foods every week so going to 2 or 3 ethnic makerts would go beyond killing the day to urinating on its grave while singing a jaunty tune.
There is a Little Saigon near me but we always hear that it's a pretty hostile area. Maybe that's not true or maybe it's no longer true but I'm not exactly looking for reasons to drive down to Seven Corners anyway.
-
Aside: I was a Media Studies major (whatever that means) in college and I think the concept of taking away a Tiny Can (an arbitrary and virtual token of approval or appreciation) as a means of discouraging a real person from drawing distinctions between the Internet and "real life" is meta in a way that would be suitable for a 12-page paper.
See, in decoding the imbedded irony, you get the can back.
We have gone through fifteen conceptual hoops and even the made-up things once lost or gained are again in equilibrium.
We have moved from the edge of the meta-wheel to its centre. The Meta-Buddha smiles down on us both.
-
Yeah, my ex-fiance was a real crap dude. If he came near me with an unshaven face I'd kick him, but the fuck*ng Buffalo wing sauce...that took a few minutes before I realized something was wrong. Then there was much screaming and frantic washing. Kind of like a reverse situation of what happened to that dude in Apocalypto who just wanted to be able to father children*.
ok, where in there is he being a crap dude? it seems like you put him in a bad situation, and he made the best of it. Whereas if he hadn't shaven, you would have kicked him.
And yes, I know that he was a crap dude in other, HORRIBLE ways.
re: Apocalypto; She was washing her mouth-- Is that maybe why they were having fertility issues?
-
There is a Little Saigon near me but we always hear that it's a pretty hostile area. Maybe that's not true or maybe it's no longer true but I'm not exactly looking for reasons to drive down to Seven Corners anyway.
Not true. Eden Supermarket = world o' Asian ingredients. You will probably be the only white person in the store, but I wouldn't call it hostile.
-
Yeah, what's hostile about Eden Center? I admit I haven't been in a few years, but the only issue seemed to be that it was impossible to park.
-
I've never been, it's just that I've gotten a lot of "don't go there" advice from past residents when I first moved here. Although to be fair this was mainly from people who lived in Arlington back when Clarendon was a shithole.
-
Dude, I just travelled alone to a country where they cut off womens va-jay-jay's and sell you in to sexual slavery without battling an eye. Do not be afraid of your "little Saigon." The worst they will do is mock you in a language you will probably not understand anyway.
-
Dude, I just travelled alone to a country where they cut off womens va-jay-jay's and sell you in to sexual slavery without battling an eye.
However did you survive intact? Is there a selection process for enslavement?