Spice/Herb Mixes

I figured that I'd keep with my theme of the past couple of posts and share some more recipes. I like to make some of my own mixes for things such as taco and pizza seasonings. Here are some of the recipes that I use. I lessen the amounts of some of the spicier spices for the kids. I also usually use less salt than called for. I make a large amount and store so that I have it on hand.

Pizza Seasoning (This makes about 1/2 cup)
                       2 tablespoons oregano
                       1 tablespoon basil
                       1/2 tablespoon onion powder
                       1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
                       1/2 tablespoon thyme
                       1/2 tablespoon fennel
                       1/2 tablespoon paprika
                       1/2 tablespoon black pepper
                       1/2 tablespoon ginger

Combine all ingredients and store in a tightly sealed container. Use about 2 teaspoons of the mix per one cup of tomato sauce.

Taco Seasoning
1 tablespoons chili powder
5 teaspoons paprika
4 1/2 teaspoons cumin
3 teaspoons onion powder
3 teaspoons salt
2 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 1/2 teaspoons cayenne pepper

Mix all ingredients and store in a tightly sealed container. To use: Brown one pound ground beef (or whatever you prefer). Drain. Add about 2/3 cup water and 4-5 teaspoons seasoning mix. Simmer until water is gone.


Here is an excellent spice mix recipe for beef roast (I've never tried it, but imagine it would be good on deer also). I like to make some blue cheese dressing to go with it.
Herb Rubbed Sirloin Tip Roast


Onion Soup Mix
3/4 cup dry minced onion
1/3 cup beef bouillon powder
4 teaspoons onion powder
1/4 teaspoon crushed celery seeds

Combine all ingredients and store in a tightly sealed container. About five tablespoons of mix are equal to a package of store bought onion soup mix.

And finally, for desert!

Pumpkin Pie Spice
4 tablespoons cinnamon
4 teaspoons nutmeg
4 teaspoons ginger
3 teaspoons allspice
2 teaspoons cardamom

Mix all ingredients and store in an air tight container.

Enjoy some good food!

My favorite place to get good quality, inexpensive spices (they also have powdered beef bouillon and dry minced onion) is Azure Standard . They are awesome! (And no, I don't get paid for that comment. :D )

Babies!

I love creating things from paper crafting to cooking to making my own powders, oils and soaps. I've found a couple of recipes that have worked well for me. One is Calendula baby oil . My first two children did not have much cradle cap, but my third and current baby has had it a lot. I have previously just taken some olive oil and added a few drops of lavender essential oil. That worked as it is the oil that softens the cradle cap. A while back I came across a recipe that uses calendula, which I love. Calendula is also called pot marigold or garden marigold. It is not the same as marigolds that are used as ornamental plants. Calendula is a great antiseptic herb. It can also be used in cooking. Some use it as an inexpensive substitute for saffron. There are many more uses for it. Check this page out for more information: Calendula.

The recipe is very easy. Just eight oz of olive oil and 1 ounce of calendula flowers. Put them together in a slow cooker on low for about four hours. Let the oil cool, strain the calendula. If you want to (I did), try adding 5-10 drops each of orange and lavender essential oil. Orange also has antiseptic properties and lavender is calming.

The recipe for baby powder that I have used for a couple of years now is found here: Organic baby powder. You will need some sort of grinder for this, as the lavender, calendula and orange peel (all dried) need to be ground into a fine powder. This powder is good for all ages (my brother says it works better than Gold Bond :D ).

Use 3 1/2 cups of corn starch (I prefer to use organic to avoid GMO corn); 1/3 cup dried lavender flowers, 1/3 cups dried calendula flowers and 1/3 cup dried orange peel (I save my peel from oranges that we eat and dry them). Grind the lavender, calendula and orange peel to a fine powder. Mix into corn starch. Easy!

I love knowing that the things I am using aren't full of harsh/harmful chemicals. These two recipes are some ways that I can accomplish that.