Create your own spice mix at home.
Seasoning spice mixes are a blend of dried herbs or spices used in various recipes. They provide an easier way to add flavor to a recipe, as you do not have to measure each individual spice. Many blends are available pre-made at the grocery store, saving you money and time. Making your own spice mixes such as Cajun blackening, apple pie spice, old bay seasoning and Herbes de Provence is easy as well.
Herbes de Provence
This blend of dried or fresh herbs is also called Provencal herbs, and is used in southern France. The dried version is sold in stores but using fresh herbs is delicious when mixed with olive oil and drizzled over roasted chicken or fish. The dried herbs taste excellent as a meat rub, soup seasoning or in pizza sauce. To make this spice mix, you need 1 tablespoon thyme, 1 tablespoon chervil, 1 tablespoon rosemary, 1 tablespoon summer savory, 1 teaspoon orange zest, 1 teaspoon tarragon, 1 teaspoon marjoram, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1/2 teaspoon mint and 2 chopped bay leaves. Stir all the herbs together until thoroughly mixed and store in an airtight container.
Cajun Blackening Spice
A Cajun blackening spice was first introduced in New Orleans as a culinary technique. Its popularity grew and now the spice is used in stews, grilled chicken or seafood dishes as well as the original pan-blackened dishes. Grilled freshwater fish taste delicious when used with a Cajun blackening spice mix. Combine 2 1/2 tablespoons sea salt, 1 tablespoon granulated garlic, 1 tablespoon onion powder, 1 tablespoon dried thyme, 1 tablespoon dried oregano, 1 tablespoon hot paprika, 3 teaspoons black pepper, 3 teaspoons white pepper and 1 teaspoon sweet paprika. Be sure to store the spice mix in a tightly sealed container.
Apple Pie Spice
As a traditional baking spice mix, apple pie spice is most obviously famous for its use in apple pie. You can also use it in fruit sauces or pies made with plums or rhubarb. Try sprinkling a dash of apple pie spice over cooked carrots for a delicious side dish. To make the apple pie spice mix, you need 1 tablespoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon ground cloves, 1 teaspoon nutmeg and 3/4 teaspoon ground cardamom. Mix the ingredients and store in an airtight container.
Old Bay Seasoning
Old Bay seasoning is a spice mix developed by Gustav Brunn in Baltimore. It is designed to be used on seafood, especially steamed crab. Old Bay tastes good on other dishes, too, such as French fries, baked potatoes, deviled eggs and even as a hamburger seasoning. To create your own homemade version of this seasoning, mix 1 tablespoon celery salt, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper, a pinch of dry mustard, pinch of nutmeg, 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/8 teaspoon cardamom, pinch of allspice, pinch of ground cloves and a pinch of ginger. This will make enough for one use. Keep the spice mix in a sealed container until you are ready to use it. If you will add it to crab, include 2 tablespoons of coarse salt.
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