It is your money, spend it as you wish. But, no, I decided long ago that somethings are just poor, like Penzey Spices are something you will not find. Once was more than enough just on fresh taste.
Ingredients I use often include Amazon Affiliate Links that may benefit me should you purchase thru Amazon.
Using Drogeheri and Alimentari Organic Tuscan Herb Seasoning in any recipe calling for Italian Seasoning. Is only the beginning of how it earns it place in the Pantry InMySmallKitchen. I have tried at least three other brands and was not pleased with the final flavour. Still, if there is another you prefer – of course – substitute as needed.
The D&A Tuscan Herb Seasoning contains: Marjoram, Rosemary, Basil, Thyme, Savory, Oregano and Sage. (edited to add) This mix with perhaps one or two other ingredients is found in many recipes – including some of my favorite Eastern European recipes – Ukrainian, Polish, Russian and yes even several German.
For most Italian dishes, it does need Garlic (especially InMySmallKitchen where Garlic is a food group), I keep a container with a 3 parts Tuscan to 1 part Garlic granuals handy to sprinkle anywhere I would use a more garlic forward blend.
When a Greek or Mediterranean Seasoning is needed (like my Gyro Meat) 1/4 tsp each of lemon Zest along with 1/8th tsp of mint is pleasing to most
To make an excellent Sicilian Dipping Sauce Add 1 Tbl Tuscan Blend plus 1 tsp Garlic and 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes and 1/8th tsp Coarse Ground Black Pepper to a pint of an Olive Oil Vinaigrette (2/3 cup Olive Oil to 1/4 cup Wine Vinegar of your choices) It is also our daily go to for Salad dressing or Subs/Wedges too.
Swap the Oil for Mayo of your choice and you have a creamy dressing or dip
Thus far, the Amazon Price has been consistently the best (I check when reordering this size about every 3-4 months.
No matter how carefully stored, Flour has a shelf life – sometimes it needs to be used up so you can restock and yeah, you may have overstocked in a moment of pandemic pantry panic. Flour is the one ingredient I always choose to weigh out. Most other dry ingredients can be safely measured with measuring cups or spoons.
Inexpensive (non-sealing) bread bags are excellent for holding the mixes. making it easy to store multiple pre-mixes in a single larger freezer zip=lock. Individual labels with type of mix (bread, pizza, etc) and date prepped can be used to loosely seal the mix in the bread bags. I know there are less expensive freezer bags, but my experience with other brands, especially store brands has not been a happy experience. Since the more expensive freezer bag can easily be reused.
Just a reminder, if you freeze pre-mixes of dry ingredients, it is always good to let it come to room temp. For yeasted foods, best to not to add to the mix so you can proof separately.
