Seasoning Mixtures?

[bluelacedredhead]

Do you use seasoning mixes to enhance the flavour of your foods, like some of the dried herb salt replacers??
I bought an All Purpose Blend in Willow Springs, MO (BK Gourmet it was called) and I just love it....I wish I'd bought a case of it. But now for the scary part!
But it doesn't really list on the label what they've put in it. And I can't seem to find anything about this company on the internet?

[werecat]

Do you use seasoning mixes to enhance the flavour of your foods, like some of the dried herb salt replacers??
I bought an All Purpose Blend in Willow Springs, MO (BK Gourmet it was called) and I just love it....I wish I'd bought a case of it. But now for the scary part!
But it doesn't really list on the label what they've put in it. And I can't seem to find anything about this company on the internet?
Ok, now that is sorta scary. As I understand it, unless it's a standardized and extremely common recipe (like for Mayo or somehting), it's the law that it has to have ingredients listed on it. Is it possible someone is making it and selling it as a cottage industry and doesn't know the law? If you cant find anything let me know. I have some awesome seasoning blend recipes listed in my old make a mix cook book I have.

[Lavandula Girl]

A lot of those seasoning mixes have MSG in them. I think it's supposed to be labelled though. I think I also have a recipe book that includes those kinds of mixes.... I'll see if i can dig it out.

[bluelacedredhead]

Yes, I'm certain they are a Cottage Industry. No phone number on the label either.
But that's okay.
Ooooh, yes Ladies, that would be much appreciated if you had a few seasoning mixes to share, TY!!

[Gary]

Make Your Own Creole Seasoning

Creole Seasoning

2 tablespoon Kosher salt (you may use less salt, folks in south-east Louisiana are notorious salt fiends)
2 tablespoons black pepper
2 tablespoons dried onion
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)

Combine all ingredients in a mason jar. Will keep for upwards of a year if you use fresh spices.


MAKE YOUR OWN SPICE AND SEASONING MIXES
All of these mixes should be stored tightly covered in a cool, dry place. I have found that small glass jars with screw-on lids work best. Most mixes will stay fresher longer if stored in the refrigerator. Be sure to label each mix with its name and use. It's great to have recipes for these seasoning mixes, because sometimes they are difficult to find in grocery stores.

Creole Seasoning Mix
Taco Seasoning Mix
Chinese 5 Spice Powder
Italian Seasoning
Herb Mix
Greek Seasoning
Herbs de Provence Seasoning
Beau Monde
Old Bay Seasoning Mix
Homemade Pickling Mix
Mulling Spice Mix
Pumpkin Pie Spice Mix
Seasoned Salt
No-Salt Seasoned Salt
Creole Meat Seasoning
Dukka (Toasted Sesame Seed Seasoning Mix)

http://busycooks.about.com/library/recipes/blspicemix.htm


HERBS, SPICES, And SEASONINGS
http://www.whatscookingamerica.net/herbs.htm


Seasoning When You Want Less Salt
http://www.dummies.com/WileyCDA/DummiesArticle/id-2776,subcat-EATING.html?print=true


There is such good health and cost benefit by Making Your Own Mixes. You won't have unnecasary salt added to your mixes and you will save money too! Once you get a whiff or your own herb mixes you'll never go back to those little tins on the grocery store shelf.

Herbed Rice Mix

1 lb long grain rice
1/3 cup dried minced onion
1/3 cup dried parsley flakes
1 tablespoon dried chives
1 tablespoon dried tarragon
1 tablespoon of ground celery seed
1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoons pepper

Mix the ingredients together and store in canning jars
Add a raffia bow and instruction card and you now have a gift!

Put 1 1/3 cup of water in a pan and bring to a boil, add 1/2 cup of rice mix and simmer for 20 minutes , fluff with a fork
you can also add a dried chili pepper to the mix if you like some heat!

Homemade Taco Seasoning mix

2 tablespoon of ground chili pepper(mild, hot or wildfire hot)
1 1/2 Tsp. paprika
1 Tsp. onion powder
1/2 Tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. of ground cumin
3/4 Tsp. garlic powder
Mix together and add to taco meat, chili or other dishes that called for a Mexican , Southwest flavor

Crab or Shrimp Boil

Place in a piece of cheesecloth
3 bay leaves
1/2 tablespoon of dried ginger pieces
1 teaspoon black peppercorns
1 teaspoon of brown mustard seed
1 teaspoon of dill seed
1 teaspoon of coriander seed
1 teaspoon of whole cloves
1 teaspoon of whole allspice

Five Spice Powder

Mix together
1 tsp Ground cinnamon
1 tsp Ground cloves
1 tsp ground Fennel seed
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground pepper

African Curry Powder
All ingredients are ground, mix together:
4 oz coriander seeds
4 oz turmeric
1/2 oz cayenne
1 oz ginger
1 oz mustard seeds
2 oz fenugreek seeds
2 oz cinnamon stick (cinnamon is fine)


American Herb & Spice Mixes
http://www.foodsubs.com/SpicemixAmer.html

[Gary]

MEAT And VEGETABLE SEASONING IDEAS

The flavor of many foods can be enhanced without using calorie-laden sauces and gravies. Here are some great ways to use herbs to “spice up” your meals and bring out the natural flavors of your food. Don’t be afraid to experiment—try small amounts of several seasonings to find the right combination.

Meat Seasoning Ideas

To Season This... Try One of These...


Poultry
basil, cranberry sauce/relish, ginger, fresh mushrooms, marjoram, paprika, parsley, poultry seasoning, sage, summer savory, or thyme

]Lamb
curry powder, basil, garlic, mint, mint sauce/jelly, onion, oregano, parsley, pineapple rings, or rosemary

Pork
apple juice, applesauce, garlic, marjoram, onion, sage, spiced apple, or spiced crabapple

Beef
bay leaf, butter, chive, dry mustard, garlic, green pepper, marjoram, mushrooms, nutmeg, onion, pepper, sage, thyme, or tomato

Veal
apricots, basil, bay leaf, currant jelly, curry, garlic, ginger, marjoram, mushrooms, oregano, pepper, spiced chervil, or summer savory

Fish
basil, bay leaf, curry, dill, dry mustard, garlic, green pepper, lemon butter, lemon juice, marjoram, mushrooms, paprika, parsley, tarragon, thyme, or tomato

Vegetable Seasoning Ideas

The flavor of any veggie can be enhanced by using bay leaf, dill seed, and vinegar. Or, try combining water, vinegar, and dry mustard to make your own healthy mustard spread.

To Season This...
Try One of These...

Asparagus
chives, herb butter, or lemon juice

Green Beans
dill seed, chives, lemon juice, nutmeg, marjoram, onion, rosemary, or scallions

Broccoli lemon juice

Cabbage
dill seed, or mustard dressing/paste

Cauliflower nutmeg

Corn
chives, curry, onions, or parsley

Peas
chervil, chives, fresh mushrooms, lemon juice, mint, onion, or parsley

Potatoes
green peppers, mace, onion, or parsley

Squash
allspice, basil, ginger, mace, or sautéed onion

Sweet Potatoes
glaze of cinnamon/nutmeg, or escalope with apples & sugar


Tomatoes
basil, chives, curry, marjoram, onions, parsley, or sugar

Green Peppers
chives, curry, onions, or parsley


Create Your Own Spice Shakers
Making your own herb combinations will save you time (and money) when making recipes. Plus, a homemade spice shaker with a handwritten label makes a wonderful holiday gift for your favorite cook! Try making your own blends (like a simple "Italian Blend" of basil and oregano), or use the suggestions below.

(Mix all ingredients well and place into a shaker with a secure lid.)

Basic Spice

1 Tbsp. ground marjoram

1 Tbsp. ground savory

1 Tbsp. ground thyme

1-1/2 tsp. ground basil

1-1/2 tsp. ground black pepper

1-1/2 tsp. ground oregano


Shaker Herb & Onion Blend

1/4 cup instant chopped onion

1 Tbsp. sweet basil

1 Tbsp. ground cumin

1 Tbsp. garlic powder

1 Tbsp. cracked black pepper


Enhanced Seasoning

1 tsp. crumbled thyme leaves

1 tsp. marjoram leaves

1 tsp. celery seed

1 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 tsp. onion powder

1/2 tsp. curry powder

1/2 tsp. dried dill weed

2 Tbsp. paprika

Garlic is one of the most popular flavor enhancers. But did you know that it may also help protect your heart?

[fawnmeadow]

Those are some wonderful mixes! Just bought some creole mix but when that's done I'll make my own from this one, so nice to be able to regulate how much salt goes into it.
A friend just turned us onto Sliced Tomatos with chopped Basil, I prefer mine with vinegar, hubby does his with Sugar(cringe).
Bluelacedredhead, I'm going to Willow tomorrow, will check out labels on other BK products.
Phyl

[lovetogarden]

Gary,
Thanks for sharing. That had to take a bit of time to post all this.

[tashak]

Werecat, what's the title of your old makeamix book? It sounds interesting. Do you know the publisher too? It sounds like one of those good old books from the late 60s or 70s.

[bluelacedredhead]

Thanks Phyl, I'd appreciate it.
And yes, Gary, thanks so much. This is amazing.
Werecat, would like to hear about your recipes when you get the chance .