Handmade seasoning mixes are one of the most time and money saving things you can do in your kitchen. The next time you purchase a pre-mixed bottle of Italian Seasonings, take a look at the ingredients. More than likely, you already have all of those spices in your cabinet, yet you still spend $3 to $5 dollars to let someone else mix them up for you.
Just so you know: This post contains affiliate links; if you click on a link and make a purchase I might make a small commission, but it does not affect the price you pay!
If you have an herb garden, there is even a better chance you have all you need growing right outside your door. If you don’t have an herb garden, consider the benefits of picking fresh herbs, drying them yourself, and creating your own blends. That makes the savings even greater!
Are you ready to start making your own handmade seasoning mixes? Then grab your supplies, herbs and spices, and let’s stir up some flavor in the kitchen!
Make your own Handmade Seasoning Mixes
It takes some adapting, taste testing, trial and error, but eventually, you will be able to create your own version of your favorite handmade seasoning blends.
To start, keep a notebook and a pencil handy. I do recommend a pencil, because you may want to erase an herb, spice or amount as you go along.
Begin with the herbs and spices you normally use. Think about when you bake a chicken or grill a steak. What seasonings do you line up on the counter? How much of each one do you use?
If you are like us, we don’t really measure, we just shake. For my own handmade seasoning mixes, I had to start using my measuring spoons. The Country Boy ‘measures’ by pouring some in the palm of his hand until it ‘looks right’.
To make our own handmade seasoning mixes, he still measured that way, but instead of adding it to the pot, we placed it in a bowl, then measured it out. Then we put all the herbs and spices into a bowl, stirred them together until they were well blended, and did a taste test.
Most times we weren’t far off the mark, so the next batch we made notes and adjustments. Once we had it the way we liked, we double or tripled the recipe and poured it all in a jar.
Now, instead of purchasing seasoning mixes, we just grab the jar out of the cabinet and start cooking. Doing it this way also saves us time. We no longer have to find all the herbs and spices, mix them all up, then return them to the counter. One and done!
Supplies
- Medium Mixing Bowl
- Small bowl(s) for measuring the spices
- Measuring Spoons
- Whisk or Spoon
- Jars with Secure Lids
- Funnel (optional, but it does help when pouring your mix into a jar!)
Ingredients
Choose which handmade seasoning mixes you want to make, and grab the herbs and spices needed. Create your own, or if you need some help getting started, try these! And if you need ‘just a touch more’ of any of them, feel free to make the adjustments as necessary.
The beauty of handmade spice mixes is that you add or subtract herbs and spices according to your family’s likes or needs. For instance, those on a salt-free diet can omit the salt and substitute it with something else, or just leave it out altogether.
Measure out all the ingredients into a small to medium-size bowl. Whisk together until well blended and place in a jar. Seal tightly and store in a cool dry place.
Steak Seasoning
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1-1/4 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon White Pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
Baked Chicken Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried and crumbled Parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Lemon Zest
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
Italian Seasoning
- 1-1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon dried fennel
- 1/4 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/8 teaspoon dried Rosemary
Taco Seasoning Mix
- 2 Tablespoons Chili Powder
- 4 teaspoons Cumin
- 4-1/2 teaspoons Paprika
- 1 Tablespoon Onion powder
- 1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
With an arsenal of handmade seasoning mixes, you can now take your kitchen skills to the next level and create delicious meals for your family and friends (and even your critters if they get wind of those wonderful aromas coming from your kitchen…)
And don’t forget – handmade seasoning mixes are great additions to your Christmas Gift Baskets!
Ready to take your home to the next level? Don’t miss these other fun posts in the Handmade Home series!
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