Eat4Today

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.