Thursday, September 16, 2010

My Own Seasoning Mixes


I love putting together my own seasoning mixes. There's no MSG, no mysterious "spices" or "seasoning" added like in the packets or spice jars bought at the store, and, if I keep them ready-to-go in little jars, they are very convenient. I save little jars or containers from jellies or relishes or whatever else I buy at the store, or you could buy some little spice jars. I then attach the recipe for the spice mix right on the jar. That way, if I use the last of the seasoning mix, I don't have to go rummaging through my recipe book to find the recipe to make more. I can also make up the seasoning mix when it's convenient for me. Doubling and tripling the recipes also makes these really, really convenient.
Here are a couple of my favorites.
Grill Seasoning
I use this on chicken, pork, and beef. It's especially good on a nice steak.
3 tablespoons pepper
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon coriander
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Taco Seasoning
I got this one from Sandra at Keeping It Simple. It tastes just like the taco seasoning packets from the grocery store.
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 1/2 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 cup water
You use this just like you would use the packets of taco seasoning. Cook your meat, add the seasonings and the water, and let cook for another few minutes. You can make this seasoning with 1 1/2 pounds raw hamburger or about 1 pound of cooked shredded beef, chicken, or pork.
I would also like to find a chili mix substitute. Any suggestions?

4 comments:

Sheila said...

Thanks for the recipes. We don't have tacos very often so I don't keep taco seasoning on hand--now I can make my own because I actually have all those spices in my cabinet. The grill seasoning sounds wonderful too. Take care.

Sarah @ Mum In Bloom said...

Visiting from Frugal Fridays.. I love seasoning mixes too! I have some on my blog for chicken rub, McCormick's meatloaf, and turkey sausage that I've made with great sucess. Love your grill mix recipe :)

Unknown said...

Glad to find someone else who likes to do this! I still buy spices too, but love to buy them from spice stores who make their own and share with you the ingredients. I have a great cajun pasta spice mix used for pastas, gumbo, jambalaya, and more. Super spicy... but, the flavor - yum! No great thoughts for you on the chili mix, but will give it some thought. Have plans to make onion soup mix and ranch mix soon too.

Great post!

Erin
www.ekatskitchen.com
p.s. would love to see you participate in my Friday Potlucks :) (shameless self-plug)

Karen said...

I've been making my own spice blends too....it's so nice to customize them to whatever you're feeling like at that moment, isn't it?
For chili, I do blends of different chili powders, oregano, cumin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and garlic and onion powder. I like the little bit of sweetness from the baking spices...