Shopping Guide
Learn more about Timaree's favorite ingredients used in her recipes!Herbs/Spices
21 Seasoning Salute – no salt – TJ
I use Kirkland's organic seasoning blend most often, but Trader Joe's sells their own combination, too!
Garlic Powder – TJ
I often get granulated garlic at Costco, but Trader Joe's also carries smaller containers of it.
Curry Powder – TJ
Curry powder is a bit different from brand to brand and chef to chef - as it is a combination of several spices and herbs. My favorite to use in my Curry Zuna recipe is Cost Plus World Market. It is a bit smoother and has a slight hint of sweetness that Trader Joe's...
Cayenne pepper, ground – TJ
Trader Joe's has a small selection of very reasonably priced spices including several used in my spice blends in The Foodie Bar Way.
Tea – Hibiscus – TJ
Hibiscus tea packs a punch when it comes to antioxidant power! Learn more about it in this article I published in the newspaper. Experiment with my recipe for Timaree's Tropical Splash, or other options from the Flavored Water Foodie Bar in The Foodie Bar Way.
Mint – Fresh (organic) – TJ
In my opinion, Trader Joe's has the best fresh mint! It is less expensive and seems to last much longer than organic mint purchased anywhere else.
Hibiscus Tea
Hibiscus tea has an amazing ability to boost the antioxidant level of your blood within minutes! Be sure to make Timaree's Tropical Splash (recipe in The Foodie Bar Way and on my website - www.TheNutritionProfessor.com) - it couldn't be easier - no heat needed! Any...
Turmeric – fresh and dried
Turmeric is an amazing root with a huge amount of research detailing the plethora of health benefits. It can be purchased fresh in the produce aisle (look next to the ginger root), or dried in powder form. The fresh root can be frozen.
Sage – dried ground
While you can grow sage in your yard, it can also be purchased, ground in a bottle.
Poultry Seasoning – dry spice
Poultry seasoning is 100% poultry-free! It is simply a combination of several herbs, namely sage, that give it a characteristic flavor.
Paprika – Smoked – dry spice
Smoked paprika should not be confused with "regular" paprika (bell peppers dried and ground), as the flavors are completely different. Be sure to have smoked paprika on hand, as it is a wonderful addition to many soups, marinades and several recipes in The Foodie Bar...
Nutmeg – whole or ground spice
Nutmeg can be purchased whole and grated with a microplane, or purchased ground. The outside of nutmeg can be ground and is sold as mace.
Mesquite Seasoning Blend – dry spice
This mesquite seasoning blend sold at Cost Plus World Market is one of the only that I've seen that does not contain salt on the ingredient list.
No-Salt Seasoning – 21 blend (organic)
This my favorite no-salt seasoning blend - as it has a bit of zip to it and combines 21 organic ingredients. It is nearly a pound (14.5 oz) and sells for less than $9.00 at Costco. I use it in many recipes, when cooking whole grains for savory dishes and when I want...
Curry Powder – dry spice
This is my VERY FAVORITE curry seasoning/powder. Since all curry powders are a blend of several herbs and spice, each taste a little different. This one has a bit of a sweet flavor, while other brands taste bitter to me. If you don't have a Cost Plus World Market near...
Cumin – ground dry spice
Cumin seeds can be purchased whole (and toasted in a dry pan before grinding for maximum flavor) or ground. If you are not fond of cumin, try ground coriander.
Cloves – ground dry spice
Cloves are an amazingly potent antioxidant able to protect our cells, even when only a pinch is added to a dish!
Cinnamon – Ceylon
Ceylon cinnamon is considered "true cinnamon" and some research suggests that it may be the most healthful. I buy this online as cinnamon sold at stores is most often of the Cassia (Chinese or Saigon varieties).
Cayenne pepper – dry spice
Cayenne pepper certainly packs a punch, so a little bit goes a very long way. Better to add it cautiously, little by little - tasting for heat as you go.
Cardamom – ground
Cardamom seeds, that give Chai blends their characteristic flavor, are grown in little pods as sold whole or ground. The very best price that I have ever seen is at Cost Plus World Market (3x less expensive than the supermarket!
Ancho Chili Powder – dry spice
I buy Ancho Chili Powder in the grocery store (small bags/packets) or at Cost Plus World Market. Depending on the batch, it can bring a bit of heat.
Allspice – dry spice
Allspice is featured in my Chai Spice Blend (in The Foodie Bar Way and on my website www.TheNutritionProfessor.com) and I usually buy it at Cost Plus World Market (best price), but can also be found at the local supermarket and even in bulk at a co-op.
Chipotle Chili Powder
This Chipotle Chili Powder from Cost Plus World Market is very smoky and spicy - a little goes a very long way! I use it several recipes, including a special one: Austin's Smoky Spice Blend
Parsley – curly – fresh
I buy the biggest bunch of parsley I can find each week for my Crazy Salad Base (in The Foodie Bar Way or on my website www.TheNutritionProfessor.com). When I get it home from the market, I plunge it into a big bowl of ice water and then remove the large stems and use...
Marjoram – dried herb
Marjoram is a dried herb related to Oregano (but with a milder flavor). I typically buy it at Cost Plus World Market, but can also be found at a local supermarket.
Italian Seasoning – store-bought
Costco started selling larger containers of organic Italian seasoning. Although I typically make my own (recipe in The Foodie Bar Way and on my website www.TheNutritionProfessor.com), this is nice to have on hand.
Thyme – dried herb
I usually buy Thyme at Trader Joe's.
Oregano – dried herb
I buy organic oregano at Trader Joe's or Cost Plus World Market and sprinkle it on my salads, into dressings and in a bunch of other recipes!
Mint – fresh herb
I buy fresh organic mint every week, either at the supermarket, or at Trader Joe's (if I am planning a trip there). I pop open the containers and am careful to get the best looking leaves, as some have molded in the packages. The organic mint that I have purchased at...
Basil – dried herb
I typically purchase dried basil at either Trader Joe's or Cost Plus World Market, very reasonably priced, though it is also available at local supermarkets, as well.
Ginger
Ginger root can be purchased fresh in the produce aisle and kept in the freezer, or powdered in the spice/baking aisle.