spices » Markets of New York

Photo of the Day – November 2, 2010: Penzey’s Spices at Grand Central Market

If you’ve ever spoken with me for a few minutes, you will have found out that I have a schoolgirl crush on Bollywood star Shahrukh Khan. I saw Om Shanti Om at the San Diego Film Festival with my mother, and we were both lost. Today is his birthday (see what I mean?). So when I came across these gorgeous Indian spices at Penzey’s Spices in the Grand Central Market yesterday, I thought I’d post them today.

Penzey’s has an incredible variety of high quality spices from around the world. They carry everything from the essentials (we picked up oregano yesterday) across the spectrum to the more exotic spices like Kalangal, Mahlab and Jata Geera. They also sell their spices in smaller 1 oz. glass jars (pictured), which I like because they fit in our New York cupboard, and we can actually use them up. I got hooked on Penzey’s when a friend gave me the Taste of Mexico gift box, which opened up my world to adobo and chipotle in my own cooking. Penzey’s gift boxes include the Grill and Broil, Spicy Wedding Shower, Cheese Seasonings (this one’s on my list!), and over a dozen more creative spice collections.

So if you want to avoid the highly processed spices in the grocery store, and you don’t have time to hunt down the spices you need in the boroughs (although I do highly recommend doing this), head over to Penzey’s Spices at the Grand Central Market in the Grand Central Terminal. The people behind the counter are helpful and knowledgeable, and they’ll help you find what you need for your first spaghetti sauce of the season. Or that incredibly complex Indian recipe.

Happy Birthday, SRK! Someone in New York has a wee crush.

Photo of the Day – August 23, 2010: Spices and Tease

Broaden Your Cooking Horizons at Spices and Tease at the Fulton Stall Market

You might first see the long tables covered in hot pink cloth with row after row of spice-filled bowls, or you may smell the rich, intense fragrances emanating from the bowls, especially on hot summer days. Spices and Tease sells an incredible variety of spices, mixes, black teas, and herbal teas at the Fulton Stall Market and several other markets in the city. Their bowls are overflowing with colorful curries, cinnamon sticks, and spice mixes from around the world, including Herbes de Provence, Cajun mixes, and many many more, including a favorite, Onion Bacon Salt. They also have herbal digestive teas, rooibos red tea, Earl Grey and black teas.

This is a family-owned business, and they are always happy to give you ideas and advice about what spices to use for any recipe you’re cooking. Maybe some of their spices will inspire you to start exploring whole new worlds of cooking. The website is under construction, but keep checking in at www.spicesandtease.com for their upcoming online store.

Photo of the Day: March 10, 2010

Need a taste of the Caribbean without the airfare? Go have lunch at Ramonita’s Restaurant at the Moore Street Market in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Try a plate of habichuelas (beans or peas) and a plátano relleno de carne (plantain stuffed with beef). Wash it down with a batido de papaya (papaya smoothie). And pick up some spices and other Caribbean ingredients for your kitchen at the food vendors while you’re there!