Quick Tip – Making Use of Expired Herbs

I tend to go a bit nuts when I order from Penzeys. It's easy to do! I put in an epic order usually once a year (just received one this week, as a matter of fact) but I still had some bulk basil from nearly 2 years ago. It's still usable but not ideal, so after I filled my jar, I still had some left but hated the idea of tossing it out.

*lightbulb*

When you find yourself with old herbs, here's a quick tip.

Put them in a small sauce pan with about a cup of water and simmer gently for as long as they are fragrant. Add water as needed. Your whole house will smell wonderful in just minutes. Combine spices as appropriate and toss in some orange peels or lemon peels if those scents will go together. An easy and natural whole house air freshener.

My house smells like basil now. Mmmm...

Feeling Spicy

Shortly before Christmas, I placed what I can only describe as an EPIC order from Penzeys Spices. Oh sure, I could have gotten more (and should have since I realized just after placing the order that I'm out of oregano - the horror!) but it was indeed an order of rather epic proportions.



I bought mostly bulk items since I have plenty of jars. I bought a couple of BBQ styles, some bold taco seasoning, hot chili powder, Vietnamese cinnamon (holy cow this stuff is amazing), along with ginger, mint, bay leaves as well as lemon and orange extracts and many other things.

But I also got something for you:

That's right. I'm having a little giveaway and I'd love for you to win this box of baking spices. I'm keeping this giveaway low key because I'd like one of my regular readers to win, so no need to tweet this for extra entries or any of that. Just leave a comment on this post. It can be about anything: What's YOUR favorite spice? Any resolutions for the New Year? Have you been looking forward to a fabulous vacation? 

I'm going to throw in this bottle of Turkish seasoning, too.

Penzeys gave it to me for free and I already have some — now you can, too. Leave a comment and you'll be entered to win. I'll keep this open until a week from today, so you have until Friday the 14th to enter. I hope you do!

Be sure to leave an email address in the comments if you don't have your email in your profile!!

p.s.  I'll ship this to wherever you call home, so if you're an international reader, comment away!