Spice Kits – Range Review
In the after-travel glow, and feeling decidedly Francophile, we’ve put together a new spice kit – the French Provincial kit, no less. Containing Savory, Quatre Epices, Quatre Epices Sweet, Juniper Berries, Bay Leaves, Herbs de Provence, Thyme and Ginger, it is accompanied by recipes for Auverne-style potato omelette, pork and veal terrine, rabbit or chicken with juniper berries, and a wonderful pain d’epices (gingerbread) recipe.
Whilst on the subject of our gift kits, we’re working on a complete overhaul and review of the range. They have a new look, with a smooth board replacing the corrugated cardboard box, and vibrant new colours. As prices of various spices have increased during the last four years, we have had to juggle the ingredient content of the kits to keep the price a constant $24.95. Rather than compromise, at this time of change-over, all of the $24.95 kits will increase to $27.50. This will enable us to maintain the integrity of each kit, with a possible review of the recipes. And what will happen to the old corrugated boxes? Especially for Christmas, and in response to requests, we’ll have some selections of five jars of spices complete with relevant recipes. These boxes will have a clear lid so that the labels of the jars can be seen. The packs created so far are:
Magnificent Moghul – cardamom pods, cumin seeds, turmeric, garam masala and chilli powder, with a recipe for a delicious ‘Murgh Mumtaz Mahal’ which uses all of the spices.
Granny’s Tea Time – ginger, cinnamon, cloves, mixed spice and nutmeg, with recipes for classic old-fashioned favourites like nutmeg cake, apple tea cake, ginger snaps and shortbread.
Southern Barbecue – Cajun spice, chilli flakes and Mad Wombat hot pepper sauce, for those who like their food blisteringly hot.
The boxes of bottles will have different price points depending upon which jars are used, and the cost of mail order will be higher owing to the extra weight and extra packing needed to keep the jars safe in transit.