The Budget and Healthy Kitchen: Making your own spice blends

 Seasonings are something every cook buys. You can find all ranges from inexpensive to gourmet to single origin. You all know by now my love of Burlap and Barrel, but they do not carry your normal run of the mill blends like chili powder, all purpose seasoning, or Italian Seasoning.

Have you ever looked at the ingredients in seasoning blends found at your local store? Most contain salt and sugar not to mention anti caking agents. Some even included flour which is important to know if you need to eat gluten free. As a diabetic and someone with high blood pressure I do not need the extra salt and sugar, so I have started making my own blends out of high-quality spices and usually you already have what's needed on hand. This makes the blends you make healthier. 

Since you are making these spices on your own you can make just what you need for the meal you are making instead of buying a whole jar of chili powder or taco seasoning, or Greek seasoning for that one meal you plan to make. 

Another great thing about making your own is you can adjust the taste as you like. I've also been known to substitute a spice I'm out of with an alternative. 

You can even buy glass spice jars that are empty and use them to store your spices or mason jars work great! I use my old jars from Burlap and Barrel they are glass, and the label comes off so easily. Just clean, dry, and reuse as needed. 

Below are some popular seasoning blends to try if you would like.

Greek Seasoning

1 T garlic powder

1 T basil

1T oregano

1.5 tsp black pepper

1.5 tsp parsley

1.5 tsp rosemary

1.5 tsp salt optional

Blackened Seasoning

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp thyme

1/2 tsp cayenne

1/2 tsp oregano

1/2 tsp basil 

1/2 tsp salt optional

1/2 tsp black pepper

Creole Seasoning

2 T basil

1.5 T garlic powder

1 T onion powder

3 T oregano

1 T thyme

2 T black pepper

1 T cayenne

1/3 C sweet paprika

1 T smoked paprika

2 T salt optional

Taco Seasoning

2 T chili powder

1.5 tsp paprika

2 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp cayenne

2 tsp salt optional

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/4 t oregano

Chili Powder

2 T smoked paprika

2 tsp cumin

2 tsp oregano

1 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp hot paprika

1/4 tsp cinnamon

Italian Seasoning

3 T parsley

3 T basil

2.5 T oregano

1 T garlic powder

1 tsp thyme

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp rosemary

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

1/4 tsp black pepper

Cajun Seasoning

2 T cumin

2 T coriander

2 T smoked paprika

1.5 tsp salt optional

1.5 tsp black pepper

1 T oregano

Pumpkin Pie Spice

1/4 C ground cinnamon

2 tsp ground ginger

2 tsp ground nutmeg

2 tsp ground allspice

1 tsp ground cloves 

All Purpose Seasoning

2 T paprika

2 tsp onion powder

2 tsp garlic powder

2 tsp black pepper

2 T salt (optional)

1.5 tsp basil

1.5 tsp parsley

1.5 tsp oregano

Does this mean I never buy other spices? Of course not, but I am more apt to make my own just for the convenience and budget. One less thing to add to my grocery list. In today's climate of rising costs the less I need to buy the better.