When stocking up on chili powder earlier this season, we took a chance on Penzeys new Chili 3000 blend. We've been longtime users of their chili con carne blend (note: does not actually contain carne), so the idea of switching was a bit nerve wracking. In the end, there was one ingredient that won us over!
Alongside the traditional ancho chilis, cumin, garlic, and paprika, Penzeys included something we've never seen before in a chili powder: lemon peel. This seemed strange at first, but the more we thought about it, the more sense it made. Lemon would definitely provide a hint of tang that would offset the sweet chilis and other savory spices very nicely. We're surprised we didn't think of adding it before, really!
We've been using Chili 3000 all winter long in chilis, enchiladas, and dry rubs, and we're happy to report that it's turning out to be an excellent all-around spice blend. It has a bright, fresh chili flavor with a slight smokiness. We can't taste the lemon per se, but we think it has a part in that bright quality.
Our only criticism is that this blend packs a definite spicy kick. It's not over-powering by any means and wouldn't make a chili-eating pro blink an eye. It's just that we prefer to add our own hot spices so we can regulate the heat level ourselves.
Penzeys also makes a Chili 9000 blend, dubbed "the chili of tomorrow." It's the same as Chili 3000 ("the chili of today"), but with a few more spices added in. Fenugreek, ginger, and cocoa powder were definitely a temptation, and maybe we'll try a small packet next year!
Is anyone else hooked on Penzeys' chili spice blends? Which one do you love best?
Buy It!
• Chili 3000 from Penzeys Spices
• Chili 9000 from Penzeys Spices
• Chili Con Carne from Penzeys Spices
Related: Recipe: Chili Con Carne
(Image: Emma Christensen)
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I love Penzey's medium-hot Chili Powder, and their dried lemon peel has become one of my favorite secret ingredients - looks like I'm going to have to give the Chili 3000 a try.
Oh Penzey's, how I love thee! So lucky to have a store 10 minutes away. I've never tried Chili 3000, but now I'm curious.
We use Chili 9000 and loooove it. It seems brighter to me, somehow. Chili 3000 is great, too. Basically, I just adore Penzeys. I drive an hour and a half to go to the store but it's worth it!
The Penzey's in my town is in the same strip mall as Trader Joe's! I'll have to try these spice packets sometime!
I love their Bavarian Seasoning, and the Bold Taco Seasoning. The Bavarian goes on everything from veggies to meat. I actually put some in soup the other day.
I have purchased the Chili 3000, but I haven't used it yet, perhaps chili is going to be on the menu next week...
Never tried them, but I LOOOOVE cocoa powder in chili (my go to chili recipe is the Chili Sin Carne Al Mole from Vegan with a Vengeance). It is so good, especially if you love mole-esque flavors. :)
Yayyy, Penzey's! I love their stuff. Try "Sunny Paris", too. It actually smells like a sunny day in Paris!! In a good way.
Their BBQ3000 is my go-to base for my barbecue rub. I just crank it up a bit w/some extra ingredients.
I just used the Chili3000 in my batch of Black Bean Chili last week - DELISH! I love Penzey's and need to make a trip there - I live about an hour and a half from one, but have never gone, just ordered online. I LOVE their Vietnamese cinnamon, Sunny Paris, Florida Seasoning, and their Sandwich Sprinkle too!
Penzey's is a chain?! I had no idea.
Mmmm, we're all out of chili powder and there's a Penzey's just 5 miles away.
I find it super hard to make decisions in that store so it's great to get reviews and recommendations like these (and from all the commenters too). Thanks everyone!
With the absolute over the top success in growing peppers last year...in this house we make our own chili powder. It is the reason chili con carne is on the menu probably ever 6 weeks. That an a killer chili recipe from the great chef Michael Smith.
In fact we are having some left overs tomorrow. And with chili we all know it is better if it lasts long enough to be a leftover.
Stupidly, I moved away from a nearby Penzey's without stocking up. I use their medium chili powder and love it, but last time I made chili I did add ginger myself and it was fantastic!
I have to drive ovr an hour to get to a Penzeys store, too, and I just sent the hubs to one that's 1 & 1/2 hours away, but OMG, I am addicted to their French thyme, chipotle chile powder, and well, I could go on and on, but let's just say every darn thing I've ever bought from them. I never know there was such a difference in spices - sweet or savory. Thank goodness they have a mail order catalog for you folks that just can't get to a store! Penzeys dot com.....