A Spicy Gem
Supplier of top quality spices to local chefs, home cooks, and foodies alike, The Spice House celebrates its 50th year in business this year. Owners Tom and Patty Erd are well-respected in the Chicago food scene for good reason. Along with their wide array of excellent spices, they and their knowledgeable staff offer a wealth of information. To get in on the action and celebrate this fine company's longevity and success, Tastybeat recently sat down with Patti to ask about her favorite offerings of the moment. We've listed them here for you. Let the experimentation begin!
Vulcan Fire Salt
A fiery addition to your next meal, this hot salt is loaded with flavor and heat. It's hand-mixed and includes Louisiana chile mash, garlic, habanera chile, shallots, Tellicherry pepper, lime peel, Pimenton de La Vera, plicate, cumin, allspice, vinegar, and of course, salt. Try this all-purpose condiment on popcorn, pizza, Sunday morning eggs, bloody Marys, garlic bread, and any meat, vegetable, or fish.
Portuguese Salt Cream
The skimmed top layer of delicate salt crystals--the cream of the crop. Portuguese Salt Cream is a fabulous sea salt, delicate and slightly sweet in flavor, whiter and cleaner than the French variety, and much more affordable, too. Be warned: this pricing is not likely to last forever. So if you enjoy this salt, stock up!
Grains of Paradise
Small red-brown irregular seeds resembling peppercorns. Put them in your pepper mill to experience the pungent and peppery flavor with strong undertones of ginger and cardamom.
Japanese Seven Spice
This blend is new to The Spice House! Japanese Seven Spice is an all-purpose table condiment in Japan. This spicy hand-mixed blend includes orange peel, cayenne, ginger, Szechuan pepper, nori, and black, white, and toasted sesame seeds. Use this blend to flavor rice, soba noodles, udon noodles, and beef.
Cacao Nibs
For the dark chocolate fan these little nibs are the essence of dark chocolate before sugar is introduced. They are slightly bitter but still delicious. Add them anywhere you might add chocolate chips; instead of melting, they will stay crunchy. Try throwing them into your next batch of cookies or sprinkling them on top of cakes, brownies, or fudge.
If this is your first visit to The Spice House, you are in for a treat. It's just the place to inspire your cooking and introduce you to new tastes from around the world--and the perfect destination for stocking up on old favorites.
Happy Flavoring!
Tastybeat
Chicago Old Town Spice House
1512 North Wells Street Chicago
312-274-0378
Hours
Monday-Saturday 10am-7pm, Sunday 10am-5pm
Evanston Spice House
1941 Central Street
Evanston
847-328-3711
Hours
Monday-Friday 9am-6:30pm, Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 11am-3pm
Geneva Spice House
577 South Third Street
Geneva
630-262-1777
Hours
Monday-Friday 10am-6pm, Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 11am-3pm
