Place to spice up your life:

The Spice House

Located at 1031 N. Old World Third St., Milwaukee, the family owned Spice House still adheres to old-world techniques in preparing its flavorful ingredients. Its cinnamon is hand ground each week, 100 pounds at a time. And its curry powder is triple sifted and blended by hand 1,500 times. Even if the staff cheats a little bit, Spice House co-owner Patty Erd figures it’s getting at least 1,200 strokes.

All this weekly grinding and blending makes a world of difference in the freshness, says Erd, daughter of original owners Bill and Ruth Penzey. (Brother Bill Jr. operates Penzey’s in Brookfield.)

The Spice House’s premixed ethnic Milwaukee seasonings will elevate you to gourmet status the next time you entertain during a Packers game or for an elegant dinner party. There’s Brady Street Cheese Sprinkle, which was inspired by the neighborhood’s Italian heritage, and Fox Point Seasoning, a luxurious blend of shallots, chives, scallions, salt and green pepper that reflects the luxury living that goes on there, just to name two.

With the holidays right around the corner, you might want to stop by for The Spice House’s delicious holiday baking spaces - don’t forget to pick up its fabulous vanilla while you’re at it. Round out your meal with Turkey Bicentennial Seasoning, poultry stuffing seasoning and mulled wine spice that tastes terrific in hot apple cider. We’re already unbuttoning to make room for the pumpkin pie.