An Inspired Cook

I admit it, I have a problem.  I have an addiction to all things spice and have collected an increasing number of jars and bags of spices that overwhelm my pantry.  I just can’t seem to help myself.  Every so often I have to reorganize the pantry so that I can make a little more space for my obsession.  Well, I decided that a little Spring cleaning was in order so I set out to reorganize my pantry.  What a job!  I have a small kitchen and need every little bit of space so we converted the laundry room that was in the kitchen to a pantry.   Joe put in shelves and racks and a cart just to hold all my small kitchen appliances, pantry foods and spices.  So I set off on my mission . . .

I piled all my bags on the table and set about filling any jars that were low.  I made a list and anything that ran low or empty was put down for a Penzey’s run.  As you can see I have a lot of spices that I go through regularly and it’s cheaper to buy a bag and refill the jars than to buy new jars.

Okay, got everything filled and back on the shelves.  I’m shocked that I have 62 different jars of Penzey’s spices alone!

Here’s my newest obsession from The Tasteful Olive.  Once I get in that store and the tasting begins, there’s no getting me out of there without a bottle or two of flavored olive oils and balsamic vinegars.

Specialty salts and sugars.

My cookbooks are old and worn down but I still pull them down from time to time.  There are some classics up there!  I keep a step ladder in the pantry to get to the high stuff and even the not so high.  Standing at only 5′ everything is out of my reach.

I have a few things on my list and a couple coupons for free spices so it’s off to Penzey’s to re-stock!  It’s like spice heaven when you walk in and the air is filled with an amazing aroma.  They have glass decanters filled with every spice to tantalize your sense of smell.  I tell you, there’s no way to get out of that store without a basket full.  At least I can’t.

Oh boy, what did I do!

I keep telling myself that I got 2 jars free but lets face it I’m a spice aholic.