Victoria Taylor's Seasonings: My Gourmet Gift Basket Secret

For many cooks, it's all about the seasoning and something no gourmet gift basket for said foodies should be without. Victoria Taylor's Seasonings offers gift ideas to satisfy many a chef, from gourmet cuisine to the BBQ enthusiast.

Having received Victoria Taylor's Seasonings as a gourmet gift myself, I now have friends demanding some most basic homemade recipes: from scrambled eggs to cream cheese corn. It is the simple addition of one Victoria Taylor's Seasonings ingredient, among the several the flavor-packed store offers.

Victoria Taylor's Seasonings were first introduced to me in the form of dried shallots, also known as eschallots, accompanying a splendid potpourri of gourmet gift basket fare.

Victoria Taylor's Seasonings - The Next Best Thing to Fresh

Passing the likes of lemon stuffed olives and olive oil that rivals the cost of perfume, I went straight for the modern-meets-retro Victoria Taylor's Seasonings jar.

Despite an obese spice cabinet, I never considered dried shallots. On the decorative metallic-pink label I find these dried shallots touted "as close as you can get to fresh." I had to open the gift on the spot, ignoring the fact it was in a moving vehicle.

The sweet, slightly garlic aroma did not disappoint, but more importantly nor did the taste or texture. Though dried, the minced wonder was undoubtedly chewy rather than bone dry as expected, and the fresh shallot signature taste quite evident.

(See my Cooking Tip below on Victoria Taylor's Seasonings Shallots)

Why Victoria Taylor's Seasonings are Special

Simply put, the quality and unique variety of Victoria Taylor's Seasonings is among the best and the packaging is both practical and decorative.

Seasonings for cuisines range from conventional to usual, and everyday meals to holiday dishes. Be it Moroccan, New Orleans, Tuscan or Kansas City, there is a seasoning jar fitting for most any gourmet gift basket theme.

Few gourmet stores boast a season collection designed for tailgate parties, yet another cool gift idea from Victoria Taylor's Seasonings.

Just the variety of sea salts is compelling and chosen from select water bodies worldwide. You may give up table salt altogether after a taste.

Another best-seller is the Holiday Seasoning which is formulated for delightful dishes such as Wild Rice and Mushroom Stuffing and Lemon Garlic Roast Turkey.

Brining blends are yet another flavorful attraction for both novice and experienced cooks.

A helpful shopping experience, the Victoria Taylor's Seasonings web site allows visitors to peruse recipes, ingredients, salt content, awards, and best-sellers.

Lastly, Victoria Taylor's Seasonings offer value for the under $10 gift -- that is if you restrain yourself to one product. Brimming with flavor, the four-plus ounce glass jars topped with brushed stainless steel lids will delight any container pack rat.

Shopping and Cooking with Victoria Taylor's Seasonings

Whether buying Victoria Taylor Seasonings as a gourmet gift basket item or for your own use, limiting selection is difficult. The gifts and sampler section may be the first place to start. Here you can accommodate most any type of cook on your gift list, including yourself.

Cooking Tip for Victoria Taylor's Seasonings Gourmet Line

It was not until I added a little heat and reconstitution to my gourmet gift toy that Victoria Taylor's Seasonings dried shallots took flight. Adding a pinch of dried seasonings in the Gourmet Ingredients line (shallots, garlic, red peppers, etc.) directly to food works well for some dishes, such as sauces and baked foods. For others, I find the flavor is significantly enhanced by a quick sauté in olive oil or butter as appropriate, then adding to the dish.

Victoria Taylor's Seasonings is offered in association with WorldPantry.com, and is available in some food markets or online at vgourmet.com.