Here’s what I know: I know Epicure can’t keep everything in the catalog for every season. I know they put products into the vault seasonally and indefinitely. I know I usually get over it once I see the new season. But I also know it doesn’t change my sadness. And now that I’m blogging again, I’m going to commiserate about it. Wanna join me? Great, here we go!

Chicken Barbacoa. I completely switched to this meal solution for all things fajita and taco. Just 3 lbs of chicken in the slow cooker and perfection! It’s the seasoning I use for the Better Than Chipotle Beef Bowls. I add a teaspoon to Chipotle Aioli and olive oil as a topping. If I had power, is question why this is going into the vault indefinitely. It makes me want to cry (cause it’s already sold out…), so let’s move on…

The Apple Pie Spice has been in the Epicure lineup since it came to the USA. I use it for crustless apple pie in the steamer. Protein blends get kicked up a notch with a sprinkle or 2 (or 3). Breakfast cake bowl and Peach & Raspberry Compote are the 2 recipes that are the best. I use it in apple crisp and so much more. It last forever, so smashing a jar is not a bad idea.

Beverage mixes. The Strawberry Margarita and Pina Colada are both bidding us farewell. This summer both of these have become mainstays in my kitchen. We’ve started making nada beverages with lots of fruit on hot days. Super-Strawberry margaritas served on fajita night have become the norm. 

Pina colada is my new friend as the greens recipe guide has the Tropical Greens Iced Latte with it as my afternoon sipper. So refreshing!

I also broil cubed chicken with the pina colada mix; it’s great on a variety of nourish bowls, but found it originally in this Cobb salad recipe, so check there for the measurements and oven settings; I don’t wanna be wrong.

My daughter makes strawberry milkshakes with the margarita mix. She says she follows the recipe, but honestly, I think she’s using twice the strawberry. Probably why she’s such a sweetheart!

Oh, and coconut lime rice is easy peasy with the Pina Colada (1 cup of long-grain white rice, 2-1/4 c water, 1/4 c Pina Colada…microwave with vented cover in steamer for 15-16 minutes).

With all these recipes, why-oh-why are these blends going into the vault?! To torture me!!

While the vault is undue punishment, at least we’ve been warned. You still have time to stock your pantry, while supplies last through September 3rd. Some of them are discounted, too!

Seasonal through Every Season.

Of the products that are just leaving for the season, there are a few I like to have through fall and winter. Here’s the list and why:

• We use the BBQ Chicken & Rib Rub as our base for everything chicken. If we’re not using a meal solution, Balsamic or Greek dressing, it gets Rib Rub. Just that and salt and pepper. My husband loves using it on ribs (beef and pork) and they always come out delicious! Do you grill through the year? We do…unless it’s less than 15 degrees or so. This is why my household doesn’t understand the need for a vault for grilling blends!
• The Kickin’ Jalapeno is considered a burger seasoning, but I put it in every dish that I want to kick up a notch. I put it on eggs, in meat, and oh…this Jalapeno Popper Dip recipe is the BOMB! I wish it were permanently in the catalog! 
• The Teppanyaki Sauce Mix is basically the yum yum sauce. It goes great on…well, on food. Grilled meats, seafood, rice, noodles, and veggies. It’s just delicious!!
• Check your Salmon Rub supply because it will not be back until April and there’s nothing I can do about it. Every year, I feel so sad cause someone messages me and well, I’m not giving you mine (sorry, not sorry)!

You may notice all of the teas are also saying farewell into the Vault. I have no idea what Epicure’s plans are in the beverage department, but if there are any that you love for cold or hot beverages, spritzers or sangria, add it to your cart. The Bella Bellini, Blue Butterfly, Ginger Mule, Hibiscuss Bliss…all of them! I won’t list here, but be sure to check the beverage page.

I’ll keep sharing recipes with my faves, even after they’re gone. But I’m sure the new season will create new favorites and I’ll need to book another session with you come spring! What are you most disappointed to see leave the catalog this season?