Over the past few years we have found sources for certain items that are now mandatory provisions. We get no benefit from Penzey’s but we like the products enough that we’ve included them.
As for Mother Earth Products, they have given us affiliate status and if you order through one of the links below and use the code “Gaviidae” as a discount code, you will get a discount on your order and Mother Earth will contribute to our cruising kitty.
Penzey's
We buy 99% of our herbs, spices, and blends from Penzey's. The quality is always superb. I would list all that we use but it would ridiculously long!
Freeze Dried Fruits and Vegetables
Dan's been using freeze-dried vegetables and fruits for years and he's found that they work in everything from salsas, casseroles, and even plain as a side-dish. We've used products from Mother Earth for years but they do not ship to Canada. North Bay Trading out of Brule WI does and their products have been excellent.
Tajin Seasoning
Tajin Clasico Seasoning is made from a unique blend of 100% natural chili peppers, lime, and sea salt. Try it on anything that needs a just a little kick. Exceptional on papaya, rimming a margarita glass and more!
Mother Earth Freeze-dried Mangos
Dan is the mango man - if he's eating yogurt for breakfast, there better be mangos in it. Mother Earth's Mangos are a year-round stable for us.
Mother Earth Freeze-dried Raspberries
While Dan is into the mangos, I love putting raspberries into my yogurt. These have amazing flavor - bright, tart, and sweet!
Mother Earth Freeze-dried Papayas
The papayas are a nice variation mixed with yogurt and I suspect they will find their way into a number of deserts and salsas.
Mother Earth Super Sweet Freeze-dried Corn
This was one of the first items that we tried. When added to Mexican dishes or tuna casserole, it tastes just like fresh.
Mother Earth Freeze-dried Red Bell Peppers
Dan tosses these in with just about anything. Spaghetti, egg dishes and more.
Mother Earth Freeze-dried Mushrooms
Fresh mushrooms don't have a long shelf life and tend to get squished in the reefer. These work great when added to a wide variety of dishes.
Mother Earth Freeze-dried Peas
Like the other Mother Earth products, the peas are great when added to dishes. We've not tried them as a snack but I suspect they'd be equally good with various spices.
Coconut Milk Powder
Another find from the Sea of Cortez - my bags got searched by Customs when I departed Mexico. All was fine except for the lecture I got from the Customs lady that I should've purchased more than just two packages of the Coconut Milk! She was right!
Trader Joe's Shelf Stable Tetra Grade A Whipping Cream
Regular whipping cream may last a reasonable amount of time but it takes space in the reefer and if it's open it can spill. These 8oz boxes of whipping cream store on your shelf and when you need whipped cream, you just stick in the fridge for 6 hours prior to use. Or if you're not whipping it, just add it to whatever dish requires heavy cream. Such a treat!
Trader Joe's 21 Salute
I was introduced to this on a WWS trip to the Sea of Cortez. I bought a bottle for Dan and it's now a must-have year round. In fact, he averages one bottle a month! Salt Free. Note: if you have a local Trader Joe's, you can probably buy it there for less than from Amazon.