Measure herbs and spices carefully when mixing.
Making your own herb and spice mixtures to season soup, meat, stir-fry and other foods allows you to customize the flavor of your meals. Additionally, mixing your own herbs and spices is often more cost-effective than purchasing them pre-made from the store. Experiment mixing herbs and spices in small batches until you find a recipe you enjoy. Once you have a favorite recipe or two, mix herbs and spices in larger batches to keep extra on hand.
Instructions
1. Combine the herbs and spices you intend to mix together in a mortar and pestle, or in a coffee grinder. For example, a curry powder recipe contains 1 tbsp. each of pepper, cumin, cloves, cinnamon, mace, coriander, ginger and turmeric.
2. Grind the ingredients into a powder if you are using a mortar and pestle. Depending on the spices and herbs you are using, this may require extreme pressure. Work on a flat, sturdy surface. This may take several minutes of grinding.
3. Turn the coffee grinder on for 15 to 45 seconds, if you are using one. The longer you leave the coffee grinder on, the finer the herb and spice mixture will be.
4. Pour the ground spice and herb mixture into a plastic container and seal with a lid. Store the mixture in a dark, cool cabinet for up to 12 months before discarding.
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