March 20th, 2011

Earlier in the week I took the girls to 2 places I’ve been chompin’ at the bit to visit.  I had a gift certificate to Vom Fass and I wanted to check out Penzeys Spices.  Luckily they are next to each other in Maplewood!  Vom Fass was first and much fun, it’s like a candy store for adults.  They have a vast variety of oils, vinegars, and spirits in bulk.  You get to pick out what you want and then pick a cute glass container to put it in.

 

 

 

 

 

These were 2 of my purchases.  I picked out the balsamic vinegar (so, so good!) and Lauren picked out the garlic olive oil.  She tasted it in the store and immediately made her decision.  I couldn’t wait to use them, so I broke them out and they inspired our Sunday night dinner.

I marinated the vegetable in the vinegar and oil and drizzled the oil on the bread, then they all headed out to the grill with me.  I also grilled chicken and made a salad with the vinegar and oil for the dressing.  They made many welcomed appearances in our dinner.

Penzeys was much fun too.  The girls loved smelling all the spices and the store had a coloring corner for kids, so the girls colored pictures and they hung them up on the wall.  This is the story of my life, I went in to get whole nutmeg and to just browse.  Walked out with Chili powder, tandoori spice, dried anchos, garlic powder, ground chipotle, and celery seed.  Oh, and the whole nutmeg.  But I could also see myself getting all caught up in my spice excitement and forget the one thing I walked in there for.