Homemade Herbal Mixtures

 

You can blend herbs together to make many different fragrances and flavors.  Some of the most popular seem to almost compliment each other as well as the food we put them in.   

For some of us, natural is the way to go.  With an endless supply of fresh herbs, which you can dry, there is no end to the mixes you can make for dips and salsas, or spreads and appetizers.  I have included some of my favorites to give you an idea of what you can do with the herbs you grow. 

Taco Seasoning

• 2 teaspoons beef or chicken bouillon (use powder or granules)

• 4 teaspoons cornstarch

• 1/4 cup dried onion flakes

• 4 tablespoons chili powder

• 3 teaspoons ground cumin

• 3 teaspoons dried garlic flakes

• 2 teaspoons dried hot pepper flakes (optional)

• 1-1/2 teaspoons dried oregano

Mix this all together. Store in a jar or storage bag until ready for use.  Three tablespoons of this mixture added to one pound of ground beef plus one cup of water.  Simmer until desired consistency.  Salt and Pepper to taste. 

Pumpkin Pie Spice

• 5 T. ground cinnamon

• 4 t. ground ginger

• 2 t. ground cloves

• 2 t. ground nutmeg

• 2 t. ground allspice

Use this for making pumpkin pies when ever it calls for pumpkin pie spice.  Two teaspoons are sufficient for each pie. 

Oriental Five Spice

• 1 tsp ground pepper

• 1 tsp ground cloves

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1 tsp ginger

• 1 tsp ground fennel

This is the main spice used in many oriental dishes.  I use it in all my stir fry meals. 

There are many dishes you can make yourself instead of buying the boxed version.  Fresher is better every time.  When you taste the recipe which you have made with your own natural herbs, you may never want to use the boxed stuff again.  

One of the favorites for the whole family is an herb rice side dish.  This is extremely easy to make.  You just need to know the components.  Well, here they are. 

Herbal Rice Side Dish

• 1 lb long grain rice (I like half wild rice or brown rice)

• 1 Tablespoon dried tarragon

• 1 Tablespoon ground celery

• 1 Tablespoon dried chives

• 1/3 cup dried minced onion

• 1/3 cup dried parsley

• Salt and pepper to taste

Mix all together and store in an airtight jar.

Bring 1 1/3 cup water to a boil.  Add ½ cup rice mixture to boiling water.  Simmer for 20 minutes.  Fluff with a fork and serve. 

This recipe is for making your own blend for Italian dishes. 

Italian Seasoning

• 4 Tablespoons oregano

• 4 Tablespoons marjoram

• 4 Tablespoons thyme

• 4 Tablespoons basil

• 2 Tablespoons rosemary

• 2 Tablespoons savory

Mix well and use as a seasoning in your pasta sauces.  This is also great sprinkled on a pasta and tossed with a little virgin olive oil.  You can make it a meal by adding 1 pound browned Italian sausage, 1 cup Parmesan cheese, and sautéed onions and green peppers.  Kids love this combination.  Make it a treat by adding pepperoni slices.