culinary treats I dragged home from the bay area

Look! We really did go on vacation. I have spices and oils and things to prove it.



So many delicious things to buy and bring home. I did pretty well in restraining myself. At least that's what I think. My traveling partner might disagree.

From Boulettes Larder: Garam Masala and Smoked Sea Salt (in the little plastic bins below).

And from Whole Spice at the Oxbow Public Market in Napa:



Fennel Pollen - for the dusting of things yet to be determined.

Black Cardamom - I'd never seen it before and I LOVE cardamom so of course I had to get some. It's sweet like green cardamom but really smokey too. I can't wait to make something with it.

REAL Cinnamon - did any of you read that little blurb in the last Gourmet? Most cinnamon is actually cassia. Which according to the cinnamon guru, does the trick in mulled cider but is nothing like the real thing. I shall report back. See, now how am I going to find out crucial things like this without Gourmet??? If you're into culinary nerdery, you can buy the real deal on Epicure Pantry.

Urda - Sweet sticky turkish chili. yum.

And a Yemeni spice mix. I can't remember the name, but it smells divine.

And I also stashed away a few different olive oils and a cabernet vinegar. Yum.