Product review policy

This blog features items I keep in my kitchen pantry, including ingredients stored in my cupboards, refrigerator and freezer. Each item in The Perfect Pantry is something I actually use as an ingredient for everyday cooking. I do not write about items that I cannot replace (i.e., the homemade jam I found on a trip to Maine, or the pickles my neighbor makes for me every summer). I am always open to new ingredients, from all cultures and cuisines, that will become part of my regular cooking pantry.

I do not review products on this blog, but if I try a new ingredient and like it, I might add it to my pantry. If I like a cookbook, I might use or adapt a recipe from the book in one of my posts (with credit given, of course).

What will be considered:

Foods and beverages (nothing containing high-fructose corn syrup) –- must be able to be used as ingredients for cooking

Books –- cookbooks and books on other food-related topics (food history, travel, literature, etc.)

Equipment and tools for cooking

The ground rules:

Products must be readily available in the United States, either in retail locations or from reliable online vendors. The value of the product must not exceed $40.

If a product is sent to me:

  • There is no expectation of a post or mention on any site with which I am affiliated.
  • If, for whatever reason, I decide not to write about your product, I am not expected to return it.
  • The product is given to me “free and clear,” without any actions required on my part, and is mine to do with as I please. Any item with a retail value over $40 will be donated to a local social service agency or shelter. Unused nonperishable product will be donated to the food pantry in my town.

Any post or mention:

  • Will be based on my actual experience with your product.
  • Will not be submitted to your company for approval.
  • Does not grant your company any claim to advertising or any other sort of “presence” on my sites.
I will inform my readers that the product was sent to me, so they may evaluate my post accordingly.

My permission must be granted prior to your reproducing (online or in print) any text I have written, or any photographs I have taken of your product in any context.

Further, you agree not to add my name, address or email address to any mailing lists, or to sell or share this information with any other vendor.

If you agree to these policies and guidelines and wish to send your product to me, please contact me by email (lydia AT ninecooks DOT com), and I'll forward my shipping address.

Thank you.