Adding a Little Spice to Life!

 I am one of those people that like things (food) clean and simple during the summer.  I like a bit more heartiness come fall and winter.  I like a lot of different flavors and blends.  I can do a little heated spice - but not a lot.  I just feel like the flavors of fall/winter are comfort - a big hug to the palate and belly!!!

Sure, it easy to go out and buy a jar of this or that type of seasoning - but read the jars some day!!!!  Yikes the stuff they add to them is crazy.

Most often there is added sugar, lots of salt, MSG, sometimes soy and anti-caking agents that you can't even pronounce, just a lot of gunk!

That is why I like making my own blends - often with fresh (dried) herbs or dehydrated ingredients that I have grown or purchased fresh.  Others, sure depending on what it is used for - will have sugar or salt in them - but I can regulate it.

One can buy spices and herbs at dollar stores too, very cheaply - but do you really know if that basil is just basil or if that dehydrated celery is just celery?  Not really!  Could be other things we are not aware of including weeds from fields and such.

I am guilty of buying big containers of dehydrated onions - since I don't want to deal with that here at home.  Most other things I grow or buy fresh.

Now there are also pepper seasoning like cayenne pepper, paprika, etc. that is just easier purchased - just beware of what you are buying and read the labels.

Here are a couple of fun recipes to help out!

Make you own VEGGIE BOUILLON

1 C nutritional yeast

1 1/2 Tbsp. salt

1 Tbsp. garlic powder

1 Tbsp. onion powder

1 Tbsp. thyme

1Tbsp. parsley

1 tsp. celery seed

1/4 tsp. turmeric

Mix it all together - and store in an airtight jar

USE - 1 Tbsp. - to a cup of water (more or less according to taste)

LEMON PEPPER

2 Tbsp. dried lemon zest

3 Tbsp. ground black pepper

1 tsp. sugar

SEASONED SALT

8 Tbsp. salt

3 Tbsp. pepper

1/2 tsp. onion powder

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

2 Tbsp. paprika

Mix together and store in a sealed container.  Shake and use like any other seasoning salt - to taste

TACO SEASONING

6 tsp. chili powder

4 1/2 tsp. cumin

3 tsp. onion powder

5 tsp. paprika

1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper

1/4 tsp. oregano

Use to your taste

MEXICAN CINNAMON SUGAR TOPPING

(this is fun and wintery to me)

1 C sugar

1 Tbsp. ground cinnamon

1 Tbsp. cocoa

Combine and mix thoroughly.  Store in airtight container.

Great for topping puddings, custard, oatmeal, topping sugar cookies - etc.

SWEET SPICE BLEND

1 Tbsp. orange peel powder

1 Tbsp. ground nutmeg

1 Tbsp. ground cloves

1 Tbsp. ground ginger

2 Tbsp. ground cinnamon

Mix thoroughly and store in airtight container.

Great to blend into ice cream, yogurt, fruit, oatmeal or add 2 or 3 Tbsp. to cake mix or quick breads.

I am even thinking a tiny bit in brewed hot tea or cocoa.

Use old spice jars, baby food jars or 1/2 pint jelly jars to store different spice blends.  Make sure to mark with a label or on the lid!

OFF THE WALL BUTTER

A great alternative not many know about!!!

3/4 C powdered milk

1/3 C water

1/4 C oil (olive, coconut, etc.)

A pinch or two of salt

Place the powdered milk in a food processor - then add the other ingredients.

Blend until you start to see it thickening!  Check it every couple of minutes.

NO, it will not be hard butter like consistency - but more like a spreadable blend (more like mayo).

Makes about 3/4 cup

Lasts about a week in frig.  Use on toast, pancakes, veggies, etc.  DON'T use in baking!

Great thing to know in case you run out!!!!!

Not only would these all be great to use in your kitchen - they would also make great gifts for the person who loves to cook.  Maybe a season mix, an apron, some spatulas, etc.  Cute and useful gift.

Hope you all add a little spice to your life!!!!!

Until tomorrow!  Have a wonderful day!