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Community Corner

Penzeys Spices Opens in Summit

This family owned spice company opens its first store in New Jersey

Downtown Summit has a new addition just in time for the holidays.  Penzeys Spices, selling over 250 spices, herbs and seasonings has everything a home cook or professional chef could ever ask for.

The homey, user-friendly atmosphere is tempting enough to wish for a spice intervention.  A spice intervention is a no-holds-barred sweep of those old and crusty spices languishing in all of our kitchen cabinets, allowing for free rein and a fresh start in Penzeys. Large jars of spices all over the store are open and inviting for customers to have a sniff. Whether your interested in exploring the many varieties of cinnamon or want to experience something new and exotic like Charnushka (The black seeds on top of Jewish rye bread) or Annato seed (a must for South American, Caribbean, Mexican and Spanish cooking), it's all available and organized alphabetical by category.  If that isn't enough, each spice is labeled with its origin and how to use it in a recipe. Recipes and cooking suggestions are all over the store which makes the unfamiliar accessible and the obvious more interesting. 

Bill Penzey Jr. started his mail order spice business 25 years ago in Wisconsin. It was successful enough that he started opening retail outlets and today there are 75 stores across the country, the one in Summit being the first in New Jersey. The catalogue business is still thriving and so is their website. But for fans of Penzeys like Summit resident Ellen Paytas, nothing is better than going into the store and stocking up on the spices she's always had to order,

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"I'm happy Penzeys opened in Summit becasue I like buying just a small amount so the herb or spice is always fresh. Small amounts are not available from brands commonly found in grocery stores. I've been to the new store and I like the big selection.  I like Zaatar, which is a Middle Eastern spice mix that I was introduced to by a friend who travelled to Israel. I swirl it into garlic hummus. I'm also kind of obsessed with smoked salts right now. Obviously they're good on meats, but great on eggs, pizza, grilled veggies too" Paytas said.

In addition to spices, Penzeys has seasoning combinations ranging from wacky (Brady Street Cheese Sprinkle: garlic-cheese blend for pasta and garlic bread) to practical (English Prime Rib Rub: great for all cuts of beef, bloody marys and strong vegetables). If you're in the giving spirit, and who isn't this time of year, there are dozens or assorted gift boxes in all sizes, themes and prices. The Kind Heart Gift Box ($7.95) is perfect for a teacher, a hostess gift or someone on your list who's been very good this year.

Find out what's happening in Summitwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

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