Tuesday, January 26, 2021

Home Blended Spice Mixes

 I love making up different spice mixes and blends.  I know many say why make them when you can just go out and buy them.
Well my answer to that is - NO modified food starch, NO MSG, No hydrogenated oils, NO preservatives.  I like that I can get or grow pure spices and herbs and blend them myself.  They just taste so much better.

Many times I can get large containers of pure spices and herbs at ethnic stores for little money.  If you are careful and keep watch you can find them at other stores.  I grow a lot of herbs myself and use them after drying.

SEASONED SALT
8 Tbsp. salt  (I use pink Himalayan)
1/2 tsp. onion powder
3 Tbsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
2 Tbsp. paprika
Blend together and use as a general seasoning


LEMON PEPPER
2 Tbsp.  lemon zest
3 Tbsp. ground black pepper
1 Tbsp. salt
(I often make my own by using dehydrated lemon balm and adding to pepper and I have also mixed dehydrated lemon thyme with pepper - great on fish dishes)


KRAZY SALT
3 Tbsp. onion flakes
2 Tbsp. garlic flakes
1 tsp. oregano
1 Tbsp. salt
1 1/2 tsp. pepper
1 tsp. basil
1 Tbsp. onion powder
1 tsp. marjoram
Mix together and store in a dry container.  I LOVE this stuff on salads - it just takes a fresh salad to another level.
This is what the store bought looks like.  I used to find it everywhere and now hardly no one sells it.  I think the last I found was at the Christmas Tree Shoppe.  SO I decided to make my own!!!!!!!


TACO SEASONING
6 tsp. chili powder
4 1/2 tsp. cumin
3 tsp. onion powder
5 tsp. paprika
1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp. oregano
Mix together and store in airtight container.  You may use a little less than store bought, as it has intense flavor.


CHERYL'S SPECIAL BLEND
I have no exact measurement for my special blend.  I just wing it, and it varies a little each time I make it.  I make a lot at one time and keep in a dark Mason jar.
This is fantastic in soups and stews - adds so much flavor.  I have gifted it as well - and it was a hit.

Dried tomato peels - dry and crush
Home grown basil
Home grown thyme
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Dehydrated onion flakes
Home grown savory
Basically you can add whatever you like.  Start with a little (write down what you do!) and then go from there.
I use this for flavor in many things.
Never be afraid to mix things up and experiment.  You may find the next big deal for your cooking!

**I do add a desiccant  pack to my jars.  I keep the little packs that come in medical herbs/vitamins that I buy over the counter. 

There are so many fun spice mixes out there.  I will try to list more later on.
These are the basics that I use ALL the time.

You can mix as much as you like to keep on hand and always be ready.  Store in airtight containers.
Remember you can dehydrate your own onion and garlic if desired - and grind.  You can also grind your own peppercorns.  Tends to keep things more pure!

Have fun and SPICE THINGS UP a bit! 





19 comments:

  1. I rarely use ready blends. They quite often have onion in them, and I just can't have even tiny amounts of onions. Well, normal people can eat onions, as you do. Therefore I can't eat out, or even eat home cooked meals if it is made by someone who doesn't either know, remember or understand that I really really can't eat onions... so I mix my own spice mixes.

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    1. I know people who do not LIKE onions in any way shape or form and when cooking for them I don't use them. I am assuming you just can't do to some allergy or medical issue.

      Onion could be left out of any and something you like could be added. I think we all just need to make what works for us and our taste buds!
      Take care and stay healthy!

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  2. My mom used to use the Jane's crazy mixed up salt. I'm glad you shared this recipe!

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    1. That has always been a favorite of mine. It is hard to find now. Great on salads.
      ENJOY

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  3. Funny thing, I just brought home a container of Jane's Crazy Mixed-up Salt today. I had it in my desk drawer at work and I cleaned that out. I love that mixture on cottage cheese. But I rarely eat at the office or in my car right now. (Too cold in my car and if I eat at the office, I'm always on duty.)

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    1. Great minds! Now you can make your own when you run out!

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  4. The Jane's products are sold in my area at Harris Teeter (a Kroger affiliate). I haven't used that particular one, but the Crazy Mixed Up Greek seasoning is to die for; grab it if you have a chance!

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    1. I will have to look for that one. Thanks.
      Kroger has it every now and then around here, but not often. I just make my own now.
      Thanks

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  5. Great I am going to try the taco mix it is different than mine. Also you special spice mix.

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    1. Good deal. Love to hear that people see something they will use!

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  6. Such a good idea to mix your own. I a going to give it a go. Thank you for sharing some of your recipes, it will be a guide to get me started.

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    1. You are welcome. You can always tweak them to your taste as well. Nothing set in stone.
      Enjoy

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  7. Thanks for the great spice mix recipes! If you mix it yourself, you can add more or less according to your own taste buds or allergies. We bought a really good stir fry spice mix at Meijer and got to looking at the label...Made in China. I need to try to replicate the taste.

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    1. There is another reason to make your own! I like making my own too. Yes indeed you can add or remove anything that affects you badly or you don't like.
      A recipe is just something that someone made up - so make your own!!!!

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  8. Can I put an order in for Cheryl's Blend? It sure looks and sound delicious!! Take care and thanks for the sharing the delicious recipes!

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    1. It is never the same any time I make it! Just whatever I have!

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  9. So many great ideas, Cheryl, thanks! I'm gonna put my pill desiccant in with my rose sugar that is too wet. Also, gonna mix up some Krazy Salt! Your tomato powder blend looks scrumptious!
    Stay safe, warm and well~

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    1. Those little desiccant packs do come in handy. I have saved them for ages.
      I do love the tomato powder blend - great in soups.
      Glad you found something you can use.

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  10. The crazy salt sounds interesting...well, they all do. Yours sounds good, too.

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