The power of Penzeys

I've been curious about Penzeys since the early days of Food TV, when Sara Moulton and others would comfortingly reassure viewers that an unfamiliar spice could be ordered from the Wisconsin-based chain. I often imagined how a package filled with precious saffron, Vietnamese cinnamon or herbes de provence would magically transform my kitchen, but I never did order anything.

Now that North Carolina's first Penzeys has opened practically around the corner from the office, I no longer need to wonder. I get it. Indeed, I get it so much that I need a bigger spice cupboard.

Check out my new post in The Raleigh Downtowner.