666079 Tue Nov 10 09:53:31 -0800 2009 4 27 General Chowhounding Topics 0 5170188 I did not find it on the McCormick website, but a new item in the Supermarket Guru segment of 'The View" today included a piece of cardboard with tiny packets of various herbs and spices on one side and the recipe for which they are used on the other. Although I had an "Oy, veh" reaction to the idea, on reflection, I can't criticize them for excess packaging, since it's small and doesn't appear to have much plastic. Doubtless there's a huge profit margin since it looked like salt and pepper were among the seasonings. I suppose these may make sense for people who almost always eat out or buy convenience food, so that they have never stocked their kitchens with seasonings, and just want to make a single home-cooked meal, as in a cooking-dinner-for-your-date scenario. And if you don't mind paying for convenience, it's suitable for taking on vacation or a business trip if you will be cooking away from home. Tue Nov 10 09:53:31 -0800 2009 159317 greygarious 1 5171213 I haven't seen it, but it sounds like it's designed for travelling... kind of a downmarket version of the little 'travel spice kit' that somebody posted on here a few years ago. Tue Nov 10 16:05:51 -0800 2009 5170188 67657 Kajikit 1 5173139 I watched The View as well, and thought the McCormick spice packets were a great idea. They also have the recipe on the back, so for people who are just learning to cook (and we all started somewhere), it's pretty much a gaurantee that they will produce a good meal. Wed Nov 11 11:10:13 -0800 2009 5170188 212582 schrutefarms 1 5175571 Or if you know you only need a small amount of a given spice, don't live near a bulk spice source, and don't want to but a bigger jar of something because you know most of it will lose potency over time. I'd love a holiday baking spice packets option- the only time I ever use cream of tartar is when I make snickerdoodles once a year around Christmas. Thu Nov 12 08:34:56 -0800 2009 5170188 11781 beachmouse 2 5175598 You should take that holiday spice collection to McCormick's - maybe they'd pay you for it! It seems, however, like this new product gives you exactly the pre-measured amounts necessary for the specific recipe on the reverse of the card, nothing left over. Want to make that dish again? - buy another one. I wouldn't buy it but if I see it in the store I'll take a closer look at what's included. Thu Nov 12 08:41:03 -0800 2009 5175571 159317 greygarious