I have been mail ordering Penzeys spices for years, so when they opened up in the Chestnut Hill section of Philadelphia, I was overjoyed. They started as a coffee and spice store in 1957 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and have expanded to 30 stores with a big mail-order business.
What makes their offerings special is the quality and variety of herbs and spices from all around the world. After experimenting with different cinnamons, I’ve settled on their Vietnamese Extra Fancy. Just the aroma alone makes me want to get into the kitchen and start baking.
Lately I’ve been playing with hot peppers and the Turkish crushed chili called Aleppo pepper is now my go to heat for every day cooking. It isn’t particularly hot but adds a nice fruity, sweet heat to your food.
This is the one photo I was able to take inside the store before they made me put my camera away.
Looking for ajwain, nigella or annatto seeds? This is your destination. Middle eastern staples like mahlab, sumac, and zatar are here for your baking and cooking.
If you enjoy cooking with blends you can find a good selection of curries, taco mixes, no-salt seasonings, salad dressing and vinaigrette mixes, as well as combinations typical of Singapore, Spain, France, the Southwest and India. I especially love the fact that you can build your own gift boxes and they throw in bay leaves and cinnamon sticks as packing for a happy surprise.
The Details:
Penzeys takes credit cards and parking is available on the street.
Neighborhood: Chestnut Hill
(215) 247-0770
www.penzeys.com
Hours:
Mon-Sat 10 am – 6 pm
Sun 11 am – 5 pm