Fall Weather and Sunday Spice Day

So as I entered the front room of our home this morning, I threw open the front door and breathed in the first smells of fall. The weather is perfect... So I made coffee, requested that the husband make homemade biscuits while I made Chocolate gravy... and we sat listening to NPR and Baroque Sunday.

Days like these I wish that I lived in a larger city so that we could peruse a Farmer's Market, have lunch at a food truck, drink lattes and wander through book stores. But I live in Northeast Texas.... and there is nothing like that in the area... we literally have to drive 200 miles to experience ANYTHING exciting.

Today I decided to organize my spice cabinet and look into my homemade spice collection. Have you ever looked at the back of a spice packet for taco seasoning or ranch dressing or anything like that? There are ingredients that I cannot even pronounce! I started making my own last year when I realized that, being the wife of a chef, we have EVERY spice known to man in our pantry. Making your own blends is so simple! The kids can help, you can make up a ton and store in a Mason jar and they are also great gifts!

Today I am going to list a couple of my favorite spice blends and how to make them!


Taco Seasoning:

Cup Chili Powder
Cup Paprika
1/2 Cup Cumin
1/2 Cup Onion Powder
1/2 Cup Garlic Powder
1/4 Cup Kosher Salt
1/4 Cup Cayenne
1/4 Cup Black Pepper

Let's make this simple.. I make a bunch and just mix in a bowl... so measuring is easy.

Mix all this up and store in a Mason jar with a tight lid!!! Use a Tbsp or so to every pound of meat.

Enchilada Seasoning:

Same as Above Except Add the Following:

1/2 Cup Chicken and Beef Boullion ( I just crush them in the food processor and add the other spices and blend)


Homemade Ranch Seasoning

1/4 Cup Dried Parsley
1 Tbsp Dill
1 Tbsp Garlic Powder
1 Tbsp Onion Powder
1/2 tsp Ground Black Pepper
1/2 tsp Basil (If you like it)

Mix 1 Tbsp of this mix to 1/2 cup Mayo or Greek Yogurt along with a little low fat milk.


I hope that you enjoy these... and remember that these mixes would be AWESOME Christmas gifts for friends and family.