Skip to main content

The Ultimate Spice Rack

Many of you are familiar with the iconic Martha by Mail spice rack that was available through the catalog back in the late 90s.  I wrote about the one in my kitchen several years ago, and quite a few collectors that I know of were fortunate enough to have bought one when they were available. People continue to enjoy those beautiful spice racks in their kitchens to this day! They are timeless, heirloom-quality pieces that will continue to be collectors items due to their beauty and fine craftsmanship.


I thought that the seventy-spices rack was the last word on spice organization, but I was proven wrong fairly recently.  About month ago, a friend of mine from the midwest commissioned an even larger rack to accommodate the spices that he frequently uses in his catering kitchen (above), from craftsman and friend, Nick Stein.

The finished rack is nothing short of exquisite with its twelve shelves, one hundred and fourteen custom-labeled spice tins made to look like Martha by Mail originals, and its poplar frame construction covered in five coats of paint.


Because of its size and weight, the rack and tins were shipped in two parts. Dennis decided to showcase his ultimate spice rack by hanging it on a wall in the kitchen.  


These drywall anchors meant for elfa shelving were chosen by Dennis for their clean lines and sturdy support.


The spice rack itself measures 48"W x 39"H, and contains 114 spice tins.


What I love about the spice tins is that Nick found a way to make a very good likeness of the original Martha by Mail spice labels, with the differences being that he used a larger font, and smudge resistant label paper.

The Spices: allspice berries (ground & whole), anise-seed, anise star, basil (european & sweet), bavarian seasoning, bay leaf, Bell's seasoning, bradyst cheese sprinkle, caraway seed, cardamom, cayenne pepper, celery flakes, celery salt, celery seed, chervil, chili powder (hot), chili powder (medium), chili powder (mild), chile seasoning, Chinese 5 spice, chipotle chili powder, chives, cilantro, cinnamon, clove (ground & whole), coriander (ground & seed), cream of tartar, cumin (ground & seed), curry, dill seeds, dill weed, fajita spice, fennel seed, fine herbes (chervil, chives, parsley & tarragon), galena st. rib rub, garam masala, garlic (minced), garlic powder, garlic powder (roasted), garlic salt, ginger, gourmet burger seasoning, herbes de provence, horseradish powder, italian blend seasoning, juniper berries, lavender, little italy herbs, mace, maple garlic seasoning, maple & pepper, marjoram, mrs. dash, mrs. dash (table blend), mural of flavor, mulling spices, mushroom powder, mustard (black seed), mustard (brown seed), mustard (yellow seed), mustard (dry), northwoods seasoning, nutmeg, nutmeg (whole), Old Bay seasoning, onion (minced), onion powder (toasted), onion powder (white), oregano, oregano (greek), paprika (sweet), paprika (hot), parsley, pepper (lemon), peppercorns (black), peppercorns (cracked), peppercorns (black ground), peppercorns (black/white), peppercorns (black/white cracked), peppercorns (black/white ground), peppercorns (green), peppercorns (green-ground), peppercorns (pink), peppercorns (pink-ground), peppercorns (white), peppercorns (white-cracked), peppercorns (white-ground), peppercorns (szechuan), peppercorns (tellicherry), four pepper blend, hot pepper flakes, pesto pasta seasoning, pickling spices, poppy seeds, poultry seasoning, pumpkin pie spice, rosemary, saffron, saffron threads, sage, salt (happy), salt (seasoning), sesame seeds (black), sesame seeds (toasted), savory, tarragon, tomato powder, thyme, turmeric.


Here is a sideview of the rack itself.  It makes quite an impressive focal point and statement in the kitchen.




You may not have the room in your kitchen for The Ultimate Spice Rack like my friend Dennis, but what's great is that Nick can custom make a spice rack for you through his Etsy store (Bay Custom Crafts).  I'm so glad that Nick is once again offering his fine craftsmanship, because I get quite a few requests every single year for a spice rack source.

Simply click here to view what Nick has to offer and don't hesitate for one moment to place an order if you're feeling inspired to add a superb spice rack to your kitchen.  Even if you're looking to replace your old, worn down Martha by Mail spice tins, have Nick custom make you a set with fresh, new labels. These racks also make great gifts for the chefs in your life.

Thank you Dennis and Nick for allowing me to showcase your great collaboration!

Comments

  1. Oh my goodness David. I would just be overwhelmed with so many spices. How utterly wonderful.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Thank You for Posting!

Popular posts from this blog

Antique Salt Cellars

There was a time when salt cellars played an important role on the dining table for the host or hostess.  As a result of it being such an expensive commodity several hundred years ago, salt was seen as a luxury and it was the well to do that made salt cellars quite fashionable & a status symbol for the home.  A single salt cellar usually sat at the head of the table and was passed around throughout the meal.  The closer one sat to the salt cellar, the more important one was deemed by the head of the household.  Smaller cellars that were more accessible and with an open top became a part of Victorian table settings.  Fast forward to the 20th century when salt was no longer a luxury and when anti caking agents were added to make salt free-flowing, and one begins to see salt cellars fall out of fashion.  Luckily for the collector and for those of us who like to set a table with Good Things , this can prove to be a boon. Salt cellars for th...

A Tour of Turkey Hill with Martha Stewart and Friends

Martha Stewart led an intimate tour of her former Westport, Connecticut home and gardens for a few of my friends this past weekend.  From the photographs I've seen of that special day, it was an experience that will be remembered for a lifetime by those who were in attendance.  As much as I regret not going to this momentous occasion, my friends were kind enough to allow me to share their amazing photographs here on the blog. Let's take a tour of Turkey Hill with Martha Stewart and a few of my friends. Without the kindness of Jeffrey Reed, Dennis Landon, Darrin David, Anthony Picozzi and Colin Eastland, this post would not be possible.  It must also be stated that the fundraising event was graciously hosted by the current owners of Turkey Hill, the Bergs. Many thanks to the Berg family for opening up the property. Turkey Hill is the Federal style home that was purchased, renovated and landscaped by Martha Stewart and her then husband, Andy, back in 1970. ...

Collecting Jadeite

With its origins dating back to the 1930s, jadeite glassware began its mass production through the McKee Glass Co. in Pennsylvania. Their introduction of the Skokie green & Jade kitchenware lines ushered in our fascination with this jade color.  Glassmakers catered jadeite to the American public as an inexpensive alternative to earthenware soon after the Depression, both for the home and for its use in restaurants.  The Jeanette Glass Company and Anchor Hocking introduced their own patterns and styles, which for many collectors, produced some of the most sought after pieces.  Companies marketed this beautiful glass under the monikers of jadite , jadeite , jade glass , jad-ite , jade-ite , so however you want to spell it, let it draw you in for a closer look.  If you want a thorough history of the origins of jadeite, collectors’ pricing, patterns & shapes (don’t forget the reproductions in 2000), I highly suggest picking up the book by Joe Keller & David...