Tools of the Trade Part One of Three

Cooking is like any other bit of art. Whether made with paint or music, the artist is the ingredient that differentiates between one piece of work and another.

The same is true for cooking. The dish may be the same between two cooks and the ingredients largely the same, but the way they are combined makes each unique. So I can post an idea about a meal and when you make it, it will be your version or interpretation of that recipe. That is one of the fun parts about cooking.

That having been said, I think it is helpful to know what other people use in their recipes. So I am writing today about a few of the spices I use and the companies who make them. I hope these are tools and paints you will find useful in your works of culinary art.

First on our list is Oregon Flavor Rack.

By now it’s not hard to guess this is an Oregon based company. Here is an excerpt from their website to give you an overview.

I am the “Spiceman”!! I was born under the name David Johns on July 24^th in Hartford, Connecticut, along with my beautiful twin sister Diana, we were the second set of twins in the Johns family. Diana and I are number nine and ten of eleven children of Gladys and Kenneth Johns, who so graciously gave their love, time, wisdom and oh so important their discipline. When I was 7 years old, my family relocated to San Francisco, California, this is where I spent the remainder of my childhood and part of my adult life. I grew up in the heart of the city (in the Potrero Hill and the Fillmore Districts)……

….In the fall of 1991, we decided to create Oregon Flavor Rack, a quality line of salt free seasonings and gourmet condiments. We also manufactured custom blends for restaurants, as well as wholesale manufacturers. The business was started in our home; the products were actually made and packaged in our converted garage.

Within a few months we quickly out grew the garage and secured our first warehouse facility. It was a day to rejoice when we needed to expand and we took over the lease and all of the warehouse space. It was also just in time because shortly after we applied for and were accepted to participate in QVC “Quest for America’s Best: 50/50 tour.” At this juncture in the business, this was the largest order Oregon Flavor Rack had filled. I was extremely proud of my staff, who at that time was comprised of injured workers involved in a Preferred Workers program offered through SAIF Corporation and the state of Oregon.

Currently Oregon Flavor Rack is still a family owned business. Our products are marketed through Natural Food Stores, The Wild Oats chain and the Market of Choice stores, in the California, Oregon and Washington state areas. Our products can also be purchased through approximately 35-trades shows we attend each year and may also be purchased via our web site: SPICEMAN.COMor by telephone at: 1-800 Salt-Fre..e

They have an extensive line of products available. Enough that I can’t describe them all and haven’t even tried them all.(shame on me) I can tell you that they have quality products and they are definitely worth a try. Specifically I have used their Garlic Lover’s Garlic. This is not dried granulated garlic powder.(Vampires Beware) It is oily chunks of garlic seasoning. It is the most intense garlic seasoning I have ever seen. If you want more intensity you’ll have to grow it and concentrate it yourself.

They also have many other spices, specializing in salt free varieties. They have a salt free BBQ rub, which is handy for those who avoid salt for whatever reason. Other salt free spice mixes include Cajun Spice, Herb de Provence(a blend of French spices), Italian Herb Blend and several other interesting combinations.

They also have a variety of sauces. Dare I say, exotic sauces. Just the descriptions make my mouth water.

They also offer their spices in a variety of sizes. So if you are a ‘Jumbo Spicer’, they have the tools for you. If you are like me and just want to try a little dab of each of their products, they have ‘Gift Sets’. Including one which includes all of their available spices. Yeah, I think I will start there, next time I order.

The next company will be in part two

Brutus