Penzey's users, what should I order?

[rhiOrion]

I got a Penzey's gift card for Christmas, and I'm finally using it. It's only a $30 gift card, so I've already selected most of what I'll buy.

But, what do you LOVE from Penzey's? They have so many multi-spice blends. I've been overlooking them, because I figure I'd rather just order individual spices. But is there a spice blend you just adore?

Or, if you don't use Penzey's, but there is a spice in particular that I should look for, that I might not think of, let me know.

We eat meat, but we don't eat a lot of beef. I love making soups, chilis, etc. I also bake a lot.

Also, hungarian sweet, or half-sharp paprika?

[columbusmomma]

I buy their spices for my Indian cooking Just love all the different blends not to mention being able to find spices from the different parts of India. If you're into chili those special spices/blends are top notch! Have fun, love that place!

[HappiLeigh]

I mail order all my spices from Penzeys. (I used to live down the street from one of their stores, but refuse to give them up now that I live far away!) Their cinnamon and vanilla are amazing, the dutch-processed cocoa powder is a nice treat, like PP I love their Indian spices, I'm partial to their Florida seasoned pepper on fish, the Northwoods fire seasoning is good on chicken. I like their dehydrated lemon and orange peel for convenience, when a baked-goods recipe calls for a bit but I don't have time/energy/fresh fruit to zest. The only thing I don't care for from there is the Chinese 5-spice powder. It's too heavy on the cinnamon. Happy shopping!

[mrsfussypants]

Their Rogan Josh is fabulous! Indian spices, not too much heat. I also love Northwoods.

[mamalisa]

They have great cinnamons, they all taste just a bit different. So many different kinds! I love the nutmeg that you grate yourself. Their buttermilk ranch dip is great, along with the pizza spice and their ground pepper is really great.

[savithny]

I also buy mostly whole spices, but I have tried a bunch of their blends (I used to just do mail order, but they opened a branch 10 minutes from my MILs, so once a year I go in person, and you get to smell all the blends and ......droooool).

Anyway: Stuff I buy other than plain whole spices (and some plain whole spices I recommend):

Taco seasoning. Yeah, I know, I know. But its good stuff, fresh and flavorful and I buy it by the 8-oz bag and fill jars and its cheaper and better than packets for a very quick dinner.

Vanilla: Their vanilla is truly awesome.

Ceylon Cinnamon: I have never seen "true cinnamon" elsewhere. It has a different but similar flavor that is lovely with fruit.

Herbes de Provence: I love, love, love this blend for cooking all my late summer and fall CSA stuff. You can't recreate it with individual spices because it includes lavender (just a touch). It gives a wonderful and just slightly different-from-Italian flavor to mediterranean cooking

Zataar: Another one that they don't sell the individual spices for. Sumac, thyme, and sesame (I think). Yummy on toasted pita.

Chili powder: Their medium chili powder is salt free and very good. Again, nice and convenient for quick dinners

Chicago steak seasoning: Yeah, I know "Smoke flavoring" is lame, but its really good and great for grilling things. And not just steak. It's like a smoky lemon pepper.

Oh -- smoke reminds me: Smoked Paprika! I got a small jar of it after reading about it in a spanish cookbook, and it really is wonderful. A little goes a long way.

I get Hungary Sweet paprika because that's what most of my paprikash recipes call for.

[PatchChild]

Ceylon cinnamon is fantastic.
I adore their Sandwich Sprinkle in place of salt in my house
Northwoods seasoning is great
I add the fajhita seasoning to quesadillas and anything mexican we make
Mural of Flavor is a really tasty salt free seasoning that's great on chicken and vegetables