Kousa is a Lebanese classic in the dolma family of cuisine - which are a collection of stuffed vegetables dishes common to the Middle East. Chef Caleb Shriver uses this preparation to highlight two of his favorite American-made artisan ingredients, Gustus Vitae's Taste of Bordeaux and Wondergrain's Pearled Sorghum.

Recipe FeatureJake AhlesSeptember 8, 2016recipe, kousa, lebanese, squash, beef, sorghum, gustus vitae, wondergrain, spice blendComment

Taste of Bordeaux

A savory blend of bright, fresh, and warm flavors marked by herbs that include chives, dill, basil, chervil and tarragon - this seasoning will be one of the most used pantry staples you'll discover thanks to it's versatile nature. Handcrafted in small batches with locally sourced herbs and spices this blend is non-GMO certified and all natural - it's the epitome of eating and feeling good!

Ingredient HighlightJake AhlesSeptember 7, 2016spice blend, france, september 2016, richmond va, los angeles, bordeauxComment

Dukkah Spice Blend

Dukkah is a traditional Egyptian recipe that consists of ground nuts, seeds and spices that is the perfect companion to fresh bread and extra virgin olive oil. The Clif Family Kitchen variety is an explosive blend of toasted sesame seeds, ground pistachios and flavorful spices such as coriander and cumin to create a warm and slightly sweet blend with a buttery, nutty base.

Ingredient HighlightJake AhlesDecember 15, 2015spice blend, pistachio, sesame, napa, california, December 2015, st. helena, organic, all-natural, veganComment

Pacific Heights Blend

This delicious spice blend has citrus and ginger notes resulting in a mixture that is reminiscent of California's diverse culinary landscape and chef Accarrino's cuisine. The blend is one of many that Spice Ace has created in-house with the intention of inspiring confident cooking and the urge to experiment in the kitchen.

Ingredient HighlightJake AhlesDecember 8, 2015artisan, spice blend, san francisco, matthew accarrinoComment

Nomad Spice Blend

Drawing upon such spices native to the Mediterranean Coast, the Nomad spice blend, is the quintessential flavor boost to dishes traditionally found in this area. This fragrant spice blend is robust with lots of warm, herbaceous flavors. "Nomad" features a blend of sumac, sesame, coriander, thyme, mint, onion, and red pepper - salt- and sugar-free, vegan, and Paleo-friendly.

Porchetta Rub

Made with 100% all-natural ingredients including HEPP's Portuguese Sea Salt, Fennel Seed, Garlic, Rosemary, Calabrian Chile Flake, Black Pepper, Fennel Pollen, and Lemon Zest, the flavor profile was inspired by a trip our Chef Collaborator took to Italy years ago.

Ingredient HighlightJake AhlesJune 16, 2015artisan, spice blend, pasadena, bruce kalman, June 2015Comment

Frankie + Vanessa

Frankie + Vanessa founded their eclectic spice company, Gustus Vitae in 2012 to bring spice blends back to their roots. Utilizing only sustainably-harvested species, herbs + fruits, Gustus Vitae produces a range of spices from simple flavored salts to complex ethnic blends. Find their 'Taste of California' blend in T he Box from Chef Fabian Gallardo + their Taste of Bordeaux in The Box from Chefs Phillip + Caleb!

Meet A LocalJake AhlesJanuary 19, 2015craftsman, los angeles, small-batch, spice, spice blend, venice, september 2016, january 2015

Michael + Marlene

Brother + sister duo Michael + Marlene join us both as this week's Meet A Local + one of November's Featured Artisans with their Seafarer Spice Blend. Growing up in a cooking household, Michael + Marlene grew to love food from an early age. Sticking with their passion for fresh + locally sourced products, they have slowly began creating a culinary empire under the Savour moniker: their catering company, Savour This Moment, a sauce line (Savour This Sauce), a new spice blend line (Savour This Kitchen) + an upcoming Soup & Sorbet line.