Sugar and Spice and Everything Expensive and Hard to Find

So, lately I have been on a "weird" spice kick, and cannot begin to tell you how aggravating the search for spices is!  Two weeks ago I went on a hunt for cooking grade lavender...yes, lavender.  You cannot use just any kind of lavender for cooking.  There is a specific type that has to be used, and it needs to be dried.  Also, many of the oils are not safe for consumption, so read carefully if you are going to use oil!  Believe it or not, lavender is actually used quite a bit in cooking.  It is a popular classic cupcake flavor (lavender and honey), can be used to season some beef dishes, and makes an AMAZING butter flavor (which is why I wanted it)!

Without hesitating, I immediately ran to the grocery store while thinking "Of course they will have it!"  I searched the McCormick spice rack up and down, and then proceeded to the McCormick Gourmet spice rack...crap, no lavender!  This is about when I start to realize that I may have gotten myself into more than I had planned on.  My next maneuver - A.C. Moore.  I start to think that they will, if anything, have lavender oil in the baking and candy making aisle...wrong again!  Now I am peeved!  So, I realize that we are going out for Indian food for dinner and think again, "Perfect!"  I can check the Asian Supermarket's spice aisle...they will have to have it...and cheap!  WRONG!  I finally give up on my search and head for Google.  McCormick just discontinued lavender from their gourmet spice line this year...of course!  After a little searching I find several sites (with great reviews) that sell these spices.  I didn't order it because I wasn't going to get it in time for the dinner party I was throwing, but it definitely was cheaper, and much less agitating!

For those of you that like your spices (and keeping some extra cash in your pocket), check out these sites!  Just keep in mind that sometimes when you order spices this way, they are sold in bulk...be sure to read carefully so you know exactly what you are getting!

1. www.myspicesage.com
2. www.puritan.com/spices-557?Mcat=1&top