Costco Connection - April 2007

The new Kirkland Signature lineup features top-quality spices and herbs at a great value.

nificant quality and significant savings.”

All Kirkland Signature gourmet herbs, spices and blends are made with pure ingredients. No MSG is allowed. Each gorgeous container is topped by designer-style copper-colored or stainless lids. All jars are made of UV-coated plastic, which helps block out harmful light rays that weaken flavors and fade naturally vibrant colors.

Here’s a look at the new Kirkland Signature lineup. But take it from me: One luscious whiff tells you all you need to know.

Kirkland Signature
Whole Tellicherry Peppercorns

Highly regarded by peppercorn connoisseurs, Tellicherry peppercorns are the largest berries selected from each pepper crop of the Malabar Coast of India.

Costco’s Kirkland Signature Tellicherry Peppercorns (item #164950) give a blast of robust aroma and full-bodied, fruity flavor. They are perfect for soups, stews and use in peppermills on just about any food— including ice cream!

Also look for premium-grade Malabar Coast peppercorns in Kirkland Signature Coarse Ground Malabar Black Pepper (item #164998) and Kirkland Signature Fine Ground Malabar Black Pepper (item #164981). Malabar peppercorns are known for their hot, bold bite, fruity aroma and staying power when ground.

ounce shaker (item #165041) are a wonderful complement to a variety of foods. The blend consists of 21 organic ingredients, such as onion, garlic, peppers, parsley, bay leaves and more. Try it for a pop of flavor on simple foods such as sliced tomatoes, cottage cheese, roasted root vegetables, corn on the cob and more.

Kirkland Signature
Seasoning Salt

What’s not to like about a customized seasoning salt in a handy 18-ounce shaker (item #165012) with 45 percent less salt (and more fine seasonings such as onion, garlic, peppers and coarse herbs)than comparable brands, and no sugar? And at incredible savings?

Kirkland Signature Steak Rub

This blend is one of three new spice and herb seasoning blends now in warehouses. They come in sleekly designed, stackable, reusable containers reminiscent of traditional Indian spice boxes known as “masala dabbas.”

I had a blast trying the new blends. Besides great taste and fragrance, the beauty of these mixtures is preparation versatility— from spontaneous to planned. Just liberally sprinkle these seasonings on top of or rub into meat, fish or poultry and let rest a few minutes to overnight in the refrigerator.

“We add 13 percent more spices and vegetables to our Kirkland Signature Steak Rub (item #165076) than many comparable

PHOTOS BY IRIDIO PHOTOGRAPHY

brands, and there is no sugar or trans fats,” Tess notes. “Others include partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, soybean oil and cottonseed oil to create artificially rich colors. Such additions are generally unwarranted.”

I tested for oil by putting little mounds of many steak seasoning brands on a paper towel. Oil rings appeared with all except Kirkland Signature.

Kirkland Signature
Sweet Mesquite Rub

The Kirkland Signature Sweet Mesquite Rub (item #165051) offers a sweet splash of heat rounded out by onions and garlic. It not only infuses flavor but self-marinates meat, fish or whatever. Consider also using it as a condiment for vegetables or as seasoning for sauces, soups and salads.

Kirkland Signature
Herbed Seafood Rub

This Seafood Rub (item #165060) provides a superb herbal balance to fish. I am most impressed with the inclusion of sea salt and unrefined Demerara sugar, which adds a lovely, slightly caramel-flavored undertone.

And for that final touch, don’t miss the Kirkland Signature Mediterranean Sea Salt Grinder (item #921005), with salt from southern France, and the matching Kirkland Signature Tellicherry Pepper Grinder (item #921223). C

Kirkland Signature
Saigon Ground Cinnamon

This pure, gourmet cinnamon (item #165080) lights up roasted vegetables, tart and citrus fruits, marinades and vinaigrettes, stews and baked goods.

Why Saigon cinnamon? “It has a higher percentage of flavor-yielding oils than others, generating an optimal sweet, full-bodied flavor and heady finish,” explains Tina.