We finally made it to the Egyptian Bazaar/Spice Bazaar last Saturday. I have been searching for months for Oregano....perplexed by the fact that Thyme and Oregano are both labeled with the same Turkish word. Rick asked around to find out where the best sellers were and we found an English speaking salesman. He was offended that I brought a "McCormick" seasoning jar to Turkey..."Why do you bring this McCormick? We sell to McCormick!" I told him I didn't know what it was called here and thus had to "make do". I again found favor and he graced me with another spice I would like to try for free - in the same seasoning family, but for seasoning meat. We'll see if I figure out how to use it! We got the equivalent of 8 jars of oregano, marjoram, basil, and red chili pepper for $3.50! Better than aldi...AND fresh! ;-) Alas, then we got home and realized that all of these green flaky spices were in bags without labels. So, trial and error or blissful ignorance will be the title of our future Italian cooking.
