Whether you are a professional chef or should be a contestant on “The Worst Cook in America,” Flavor spice shop and specialty food market is for you. Flavor is a place where you can buy spices in any quantity, which is perfect for experimenting, building your own rubs, seasoning blends and marinades. This also helps prevent having an abundance of unused spices taking up space while they lose quality and flavor.
In addition, Flavor focuses on supporting local small batch food artisans. You will find new and unique tastes such as burnt marshmallow hot sauce, bourbon vanilla peach preserves and habanero pickles. The local flair also includes a section dedicated solely to competition Kansas City barbecue sauces and rubs.
More than just a marketplace, it doesn’t stop with selling Flavor, but also teaching it. Tucked away inside the shop is a beautiful kitchen, known as The Flavor Lab, that will be host to cooking classes and demonstrations later this summer. The Lab is also available for dinner parties and private events. Food is one of the few things in the world that bonds us all, and Flavor is a place where people can explore that together.
What else can you find on the shelves? Fresh, locally grown organic herbs, in-kitchen herb gardens, local farm cheeses and a variety of cooking and grilling tools. Need a gift? How about a nice bottle of garlic or lemon infused Italian olive oil and a bag of parmesan and herb dipping seasoning and a handmade Italian dipping bowl?
Vanilla Extract at Home (Madagascar Vanilla Beans)
Homemade vanilla extract only requires two ingredients: vanilla beans and liquor. Place 3-6 whole beans in a jar, cover with your spirit of choice, cover with lid, and let the infusion begin. After at least 12 weeks (the longer the better), use in your favorite recipe.
Turn Your Seasoning Blends into a Marinade (Adobo Lime Seasoning)
Most rubs and seasonings can be transformed into a marinade. Mix with an oil and/or a balsamic vinegar to coat your favorite meat or veggies. We combined adobo lime seasoning with jalapeno olive oil to create a delicious chicken marinade.
It’s Not Just for Popcorn (Cheddar Cheese Powder)
Our real cheddar cheese powder, “The Orange Stuff,” makes a delicious and velvety smooth sauce for casseroles or veggies. Try topping your tacos for something fun. Sprinkle on potatoes and other snacks. Want a kick? Add jalapeno or chipotle powder.
Bread Dipping (Italian Bread Dipping Seasoning)
For an easy and beautiful appetizer, combine our parmesan Italian dipping seasoning with a good Italian extra virgin olive oil (evoo) and dunk away. Try it with Meyer lemon-infused evoo for a perfect drizzle for fresh or roasted veggies.
Quick Pickles (Curry Pickling Blend)
Cool, briny pickles are one of summer’s simple pleasures. For quick pickles all you need is equal parts vinegar and water, salt and sugar to taste, and seasonings. Boil, cool and pour over your cucumbers. Pop in the fridge until cold. (Try our curry pickling blend.)
Flavor your Fruit (Chile Lime Fruit Seasoning)
Bring the taste of real authentic Mexican fruit stands right to your own kitchen. Sprinkle your favorite melon, mango or coconut with chile lime fruit seasoning. Kick it up even more with a fruit-infused balsamic.
What Kind of Nut is that? (Whole Nutmeg and Whole Cardamom Pods)
We carry several whole spices in the shop and often get asked, “what kind of nut is that?” Despite the name, they are not nuts, but rather seeds. Two of our favorites are whole nutmeg and green cardamom pods. Instead of sprinkling or shaking in nutmeg, grate it fresh. Whole green cardamom pods are essential to Indian cooking.
Pretty as a Pepper (Aleppo Chile Peppers)
This shiny, sweet, mildly hot and smoky chile is worthy of a place in your spice cabinet. Swap the crushed red pepper in your recipes for this ruby red gem and find out why it’s been a Syrian and Lebanese staple for centuries.
Spices, oils and vinegars are not just for cooking. Taylor Dumsky of The W created three fabulous cocktails using a variety of unique items from Flavor.
The Strawberry & Sage Mojito (wine glass) features white rum, fresh lime juice, syrup made with Flavor’s honey ginger balsamic, soda water, California cane sugar and Wolf Creek Farms pineapple sage.
Mediterranean Martini (coupe glass) includes J.Rieger gin infused with fresh basil, Dolin Blanc vermouth, Flavor’s 25 Star balsamic vinegar and artichoke & garlic olive oil, olive brine, Wolf Creek Farms oregano for garnish.
Smoke Brewing Old Fashioned (rocks glass) features J.Reiger whiskey, Flavor’s hickory smoked olive oil, Smoke Brewing Co. 5-pepper blend barbecue sauce syrup, Angostura’s bitters, Flavor’s jalapeno lime balsamic vinegar, lemon peel (for garnish), and Wolf Creek Farms parsley.
Would you like to learn how to make these? Classes coming soon!
Complete Recipes are posted on our website www.wemakelifetastebetter.com.