Homemade Christmas

Another homemade gift I made this Christmas was a Spice Rub set.  I have been making a Taco Seasoning mix for a couple years now and like it a lot better than all the packaged brands.  The other two mixes I made I haven't tried yet - a Cajun Seasoning and an All-Purpose Spice Rub.  Online comments were very complimentary for both and I can't wait to try them with the bit of the mixes I have left at home.

Taco Seasoning

Ingredients:

2 tablespoon chili powder

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon crushed red pepper

½ teaspoon oregano

1 teaspoon paprika

3 teaspoon cumin

2 teaspoon sea salt

2 teaspoon black pepper

Directions:

1.       Combine all ingredients and store in air-tight container.  Store in a cool, dark and dry place for up to six months.

All Purpose Spice Rub
From Martha Stewart

Ingredients:

1/3 cup coarse salt

¼ cup packed light-brown sugar

¼ cup paprika

2 tablespoons ground black pepper

2 tablespoons dried oregano

2 tablespoons dried thyme leaves

1 tablespoon cayenne pepper

Directions:

1.       In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients, using your hands to break up the sugar.  Store in an airtight container, away from heat and light, up to 6 months.

Cajun Seasoning

From Tasty Kitchen

Ingredients:

2 cups Sea salt, ground finely

4 tablespoons cayenne pepper

3 tablespoons black pepper

2 tablespoons garlic powder

2 tablespoons parsley flakes

2 tablespoons chili powder

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp nutmeg

Directions:

1.       Combine all ingredients and store in air-tight container.  Store in a cool, dark and dry place for up to six months.

Note: This is more a "seasoned salt" than a "seasoning mix."


To make this into a set for Christmas, I started saving small jars.  Some were from pesto or dips, others from crushed garlic or jam.  They were the perfect size, and once given a personalized label, made a great threesome to give as a gift.