The Taco Seasoning and all Purpose Spice
We used Spanish Gardens for years — more than 10 maybe 20. Originally we got it because it’s low in sodium (40mg/serving) but we ran out about 6 months ago. We ran out and the Hy-Vee stopped carrying it. I couldn’t believe it. And on at least two occasions I went through every shelf in the store just to make sure they hadn’t moved it.
Because aside from the sodium issue, it’s just that good.
We found a substitute, Silva’s Taco Spice (sodium 190mg) but, it just wasn’t the same. It became a quest: something I just had to have. Internet searches turned up nothing. They don’t have a website. That didn’t stop me. And eventually I discovered that they’re a local Kansas City company!
How weird is that? This great product is suddenly unavailable — but they’re somewhere nearby? That sounds like the perfect solution to a quest. When it turned out they’re located right on my way to work, I thought my problems were over. I only wish that was true.
In the months that followed, I must have stopped by their building 10 times. They were NEVER open. I started to think that they most have gone out of business. But there were other Spanish Gardens products at Hy-Vee — just not the Taco Seasoning. So, I requested it. And asked again. And again. (OK that last time was an exaggeration 00 I only asked 3 times)
At our house we have what we call “Green Plate Specials” every Friday and Saturday night. Mister makes burritos or pizza or hamburgers — stuff like that with salad and baked-sliced-potatoes. And we eat our meals on these homely green picnic plates. So the loss of a favorite seasoning was a terrible blow to our lifestyle.
Friends, I have to tell you those dark days are over.
Two weeks ago I discovered Spanish Gardens on a shelf at Hy-Vee. I don’t know why this seasoning was so difficult to stock (they never said.) Mister made burritos with it last week and they were just as good as we remembered. And he made burritos again tonight.
I’m serious. These burritos are the best I’ve ever had. I feel like my life is perfect and nothing can go wrong. And this quest has taught me an important lesson.
There is nothing more satisfying than the successful conclusion to a righteous quest.
Good Morning Katiebird and all!
Why does it always seem that some product you adore is the one that is suddenly unavailable? I am a vegetarian and one of my favorite foods is a faux Italian Sausage made by Bocca. Suddenly it isn’t available at the Pick N Save 4 blocks from my house. We can find it but have to drive half way across town to a SuperValu where the values are not so super at all! Got to pay over a dollar a package more for the same product. (Picture steam coming out of my ears)
Anyway, Just4today I will climb on the ol treadmill at least 3 times and walk for at least 7 minutes each time. My knees are still holding up pretty good and I want them to stay that way. For me, if I can’t exercise, I can’t lose weight. So I am very careful not to overdo. And the reason I have a treadmill instead of walking outside in nice weather, which I love to do, is that sidewalks are not good for damaged old knees. I do miss the walks because I live only about 7 blocks from Lake Michigan down here in the southeastern most county of Wisconsin.
I also, Just4today, will drink at least six glass of water, and will not eat after 6 p.m.
Hope I’m not coming here too often or talking to much. If I am please let me know. I do have a tendency to let my enthusiasm run away with my common sense.
Marge, I’d have a hard time imagining KB thinking people talk too much! I’ve known her for a while now, and she’s most gracious host and visitor to the blogs. And not just because she’s a fellow midwesterner …
KB, I’ve never heard of that seasoning before, and will keep my eye out for it, but we so rarely shop at Hy-Vee. Maybe Dahl’s might have it too (they’re only 3 blocks from our house), but next time in Hy-Vee I’ll take a look… sounds good. What does it have in it specifically?
Hi IVG (blushing),
After our experience, I wouldn’t count on finding it at any specific store (without a direct request.) One of the things I want to do once I’m retired (two weeks!) is to get a list of their distributors and post that — or something to give people a chance to get their hands on it.
The list of ingredients doesn’t stand out as very helpful:
Selected Ancho Chili Peppers
Salt
Spices
Obviously they know they’ve got a good thing going with their spices (and maybe the person who selects their Chili Peppers?)
But the REALLY fantastic thing about Spanish Gardens is that they have almost no sodium compared to almost any other packaged product. It proves that you don’t need to pack your food with salt for flavor. It just takes some creativity.
Thank you for your kind words, IVG and I want you to know that both mister and I are thinking of you (and all Iowans) tonight.
Thanks, KB! We’ll be fine as soon as we get that dumpster over here to pitch most everything in the basement. I’m more concerned about IC and CR and what they’re going through.
That ingredient list IS a bit sketchy … but I’d bet cumin is in there somewhere. That’s a must have for me w/Mexican cooking of all sorts. And in summer of course there are also the jalapenos, but alas no serranos because I couldn’t find any plants this year.
I planted our peppers in a different space this year and hoping they do better .. when we had them in our compost enriched veggie garden, they didn’t produce much, so they’re in a less fertile place now… we’ll see how it goes.
PS… have you ever tried ‘SPIKE’ as a general purpose seasoning? It has NO salt and a nice mix of herbs and spices. I like to use it for things that don’t require a specific ‘ethnic’ flavor and often use it as a base for my vegetable potage.
We too are lovers of the Spanish Garden brand! My in-laws are from KC originally & buy the product by the case when back visiting. And they too have probably used it for over 20 years. I have been in the family for 16 and it has always been in their pantry. Anyway we haven’t been back in over 2 years and everyone is out… I found your blog searching for an online vendor. Your comments confirmed my disbelief that it couldn’t be found online. We will have to make a trip up north soon to replenish our stockpiles of our favorite taco spice. By the way, father in law makes to die for meat that we use in tacos & enchiladas. I guess we will have to try burritos in the future.
Funny you should talk about Spanish Gardens. I grew up with Mom’s tacos and burritos using only Spanish Gardens Taco Seasoning in Southeast Kansas (Fredonia). In 1982, we moved to Colorado near the Utah border and had to rely on friends to send us a few bottles here and there. Finally, I was able to find their website although the only thing on there was their phone #. After several calls, I was able to get them. They have been selling me a case at a time for around 45 bucks for the last 20 years although I had to send checks as they have not had a credit card machine. I am writing this Today because last night I used the last of a bottle for Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas only to find, someone took the last jar out without ordering more!!!!!!! Now in panic mode, I am thinking about ordering more than a case if it will keep, so I will never have to worry about being short. This stuff is that good! I just hope they stay in business. It’s hard to say with such a small operation. Thanks!