We are all guilty of buying spice mixes from the grocery store. Some of them are quite good, and what could be easier than sprinkle and cook? If you start reading labels though, you will see that they can contain added ingredients that you might not recognize or want to eat. Sometimes they even contain gluten to help them not clump. Perhaps you like a certain spice mix but wish it was not as hot, or wish it had more garlic? Maybe you don’t like to eat things you have trouble pronouncing, or you are on a gluten-free diet?

The solution is to make our own spice mixes, and it’s not hard once you get the hang of it. You can look at the ingredients of some of your favorites and try to duplicate them without the chemical additives, you can look them up online or experiment. If you decide to experiment, start by using less of the spice mix than you think. You can always add more spice mix later, but you can never subtract it after you’ve added it. I have included two of my favorite spice mixes below to get you started. Happy sprinkling!

Chef Kerry’s Chicken Seasoning

1 Tablespoon dried granulated Onion

1 Tablespoon dried granulated Garlic

1 Tablespoon Paprika

1 Teaspoon Kosher salt or ½ tsp iodized table salt

½ Teaspoon ground black Pepper

½ Teaspoon dried Sage

½ Teaspoon dried Thyme

½ Teaspoon dried Oregano

Combine all ingredients together thoroughly.  

Sprinkle on both sides of the chicken pieces before cooking.  This rub is great on grilled chicken.  Also good on roasted vegetables and baked or grilled fish.

Chef Kerry’s Taco Seasoning

3 Tablespoons ground Cumin

1 Tablespoon smoked Paprika

1 Tablespoon dried Oregano

2 Tablespoons Chili Powder

1 Tablespoon Paprika

1 Tablespoon dried granulated onion

1 Tablespoon dried granulated garlic

2 Tablespoons Kosher salt (use 1 TB if using iodized table salt)

1 Tablespoon ground black Pepper

Combine all ingredients together thoroughly.  

To make tacos – cook 1 pound of meat or vegetables, drain excess fat/oil, 

Add ½ cup of water and 3 Tablespoons Taco Seasoning. Stir thoroughly and cook uncovered on low for about 5 more minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and add another Tablespoon of seasoning if necessary, cook for a couple more minutes adding a 1/8 cup of water if dry. Salt to taste if necessary.