Seasoning Blends

Making your own spice blends produces the freshest flavors in recipes and allows you to adjust seasoning levels to your personal preference. These formulas all make about ¼ cup. Once prepared, store them in small glass jars in your pantry for up to 1 year.

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apple pie spice

   2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

   1 tablespoon ground nutmeg

   1 teaspoon ground ginger

   ½ teaspoon ground cloves

Use to season apple pie and other baked goods. Add to French toast and pancakes. Sprinkle on yogurt and blend into smoothies.

chai spice

   4 teaspoons ground cardamom

   2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

   2 teaspoons ground ginger

   1 teaspoon ground allspice

   1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

   ½ teaspoon anise seeds, ground

   ½ teaspoon ground cloves

Steep a spoonful with your tea or blend into a smoothie. Stir into hot oatmeal. Add to banana bread batter.

pumpkin pie spice

   2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

   1 tablespoon ground ginger

   2 teaspoons ground nutmeg

   1 teaspoon ground allspice

   ½ teaspoon ground cloves

Use in pumpkin or sweet potato pie. Add to a latte or whipped cream.

Cajun seasoning

   1 tablespoon sweet paprika

   2 teaspoons garlic powder

   1½ teaspoons dried oregano

   1 teaspoon onion powder

   1 teaspoon black pepper

   1 teaspoon kosher salt

   ½ to 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

   ½ teaspoon dried thyme

   ½ teaspoon white pepper

Use in Cajun and Creole dishes, such as jambalaya. Season shrimp skewers, crab cakes, and fish. Sprinkle on popcorn or your favorite snack mix.

Greek seasoning

   5 teaspoons dried oregano

   1 tablespoon dried thyme

   2 teaspoons dried marjoram

   2 teaspoons dried minced onion

   1 teaspoon dried basil

   1 teaspoon dried minced garlic

   1 teaspoon dried lemon peel

   1 teaspoon kosher salt

Season chicken thighs and pork tenderloin. Stir into orzo with tomatoes and feta. Sprinkle over salads or add to vinaigrette.

Italian seasoning

   1 tablespoon dried basil

   1 tablespoon dried oregano

   1 tablespoon dried thyme

   1½ teaspoons dried marjoram

   1½ teaspoons dried rosemary

   ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Add to pasta sauces, meatballs, soups, salad dressings, and roasted vegetables.

Southwest seasoning

   1 tablespoon ground ancho chile

   1 tablespoon sweet paprika

   1½ teaspoons dried Mexican oregano

   1½ teaspoons onion powder

   1 teaspoon ground chipotle

   1 teaspoon garlic powder

   1 teaspoon ground coriander

   ½ teaspoon ground cumin

   ½ teaspoon kosher salt

Season grilled meats. Stir into rice and bean blends or sautéed vegetables. Add to scrambled eggs.

poultry seasoning

   1 tablespoon dried sage

   1 tablespoon dried thyme

   2 teaspoons dried marjoram

   1 teaspoon dried rosemary

   1 teaspoon kosher salt

   ½ teaspoon dried dill weed

   ½ teaspoon dried lemon peel

   ½ teaspoon black pepper

   ¼ teaspoon ground allspice

Rub under the skin of roast chicken and turkey. Stir into stuffing and soups. Work into ground chicken to make burgers.

steak seasoning

   4 teaspoons kosher salt

   1 tablespoon cracked black pepper

   2 teaspoons dried minced garlic

   1½ teaspoons dill seeds

   1 teaspoon onion powder

   1 teaspoon smoked paprika

   1 teaspoon dried lemon peel

Sprinkle on steaks and pot roast. Stir into stews. Toss with vegetables.

barbecue seasoning

   5 teaspoons chili powder

   1 tablespoon smoked paprika

   2 teaspoons mustard powder

   2 teaspoons dried minced onion

   ½ teaspoon garlic powder

   ½ teaspoon kosher salt

   ½ teaspoon black pepper

Rub on ribs and chicken. Sprinkle over roasted vegetables. Stir into baked beans and sauces.

chili seasoning

   2 tablespoons chili powder

   2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder

   2 teaspoons dried minced onion

   1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano

   1 teaspoon ground cumin

   ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

   ½ teaspoon garlic powder

   ½ teaspoon kosher salt

   ½ teaspoon black pepper

Add to your favorite chili or baked beans. Sprinkle on oven fries.

fajita seasoning

   1 tablespoon chili powder

   2 teaspoons sweet paprika

   2 teaspoons dried Mexican oregano

   1½ teaspoons onion powder

   1 teaspoon garlic powder

   1 teaspoon kosher salt

   ½ teaspoon ground cumin

   ¼ teaspoon black pepper

   ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Rub on chicken, beef, shrimp, and pork. Stir into black beans or rice.

lemon-pepper seasoning

   2 tablespoons dried lemon peel

   1 tablespoon cracked black pepper

   1 teaspoon kosher salt

   1 teaspoon onion powder

Sprinkle over salmon and chicken. Season popcorn and snack mixes. Add to marinades.

pizza seasoning

   1 tablespoon dried basil

   1 tablespoon dried oregano

   2 teaspoons dried parsley

   1½ teaspoons dried minced garlic

   1½ teaspoons fennel seeds

   1½ teaspoons dried minced onion

   ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Sprinkle over homemade or store-bought pizza.

taco seasoning

   1 tablespoon chili powder

   2½ teaspoons ground cumin

   2 teaspoons sugar

   1 teaspoon garlic powder

   1 teaspoon kosher salt

   ½ teaspoon dried Mexican oregano

   ½ teaspoon black pepper

   ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Stir into ground meat with water to make taco meat. Sprinkle over chicken, shrimp, or fish. Stir into sour cream for an easy dip.

everything bagel seasoning

   4 teaspoons poppy seeds

   2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds

   2 teaspoons dried minced garlic

   2 teaspoons dried minced onion

   1½ teaspoons kosher salt

Top bagels with lox and cream cheese. Sprinkle on eggs, avocado, and tomatoes.