From grandma's recipe box
Spice Blends Recipes
Dry spice mixes you can make in minutes and keep in a jar. Handy for rubs, soups, rice and roasted vegetables.
About Spice Blends
Spice blends are mixes of ground or whole spices, sometimes with dried herbs, salt or sesame. Making your own lets you control the salt and the heat. It also tastes fresher than a jar that sat for months.
Unlike sauces, dips and marinades, these are dry. You sprinkle them on, rub them in or stir them into a pot. They are the base that many other recipes start from.
Questions folks ask
How long do homemade spice blends last?
Ground blends are best within several months. They slowly lose flavor over time.
Should I use whole or ground spices?
Whole spices stay fresh longer and taste stronger once toasted and ground. Ground spices are quicker.
How much blend should I use?
Start with about a teaspoon per serving, then add more to taste.
Kitchen tips
- Toast whole spices in a dry pan until fragrant, then grind.
- Mix a small batch first and adjust before making more.
- Store in airtight jars away from heat and light.
- Label each jar with the name and the date.
- Rub blends on meat or vegetables a little before cooking.