My Top 5 Homemade Spice Mixes – Skip that Trip to the Store!

Dinner on a busy night is the LAST thing on my mind.  Most days I keep freezer meals on hand but when they are running low, I turn to my spice cabinet for inspiration.  Yes, I said spice cabinet.  Stop rolling your eyes.

For most people the spice cabinet is a place where little plastic canisters are held until that one fateful recipe when they are unearthed to finally fulfill their destiny.  Imagine this.  A spice cabinet full of healthy, thrifty, homemade spice mixes at the ready for you to make dinner every night of the week.  Now I have your attention.

Let me explain.  Years ago after one too many times of finding my preservative-laden seasoning packets were expired AND I had just thrown money down the drain, I finally did something about it.  I created my Taco Seasoning Mix and it started my obsession.  Now I want to share with you 5 of my favorite homemade spice mixes that I make with ingredients all found in my spice cabinet, saving me time and money.

5 Thrifty Homemade Spice Mixes

Apple Pie Mix

• 3 Tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1 Tablespoon cloves
• 2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon ginger

Mix together in a bowl and store in a glass canister.
I love to use this spice in bread, butter, pastries, oatmeal and to make homemade apple cider.

Italian Seasoning Spice Mix

• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 2 tablespoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon celery salt
• 2 tablespoons salt

Mix together in a small bowl and store in a glass canister.
I like to use it for salad dressings, on pasta or as a marinade for my veggies.

Poultry Seasoning Spice Mix

• 2 tsp. rosemary
• 1 1/2 tsp. ground thyme
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp. basil
• 1/2 tsp. nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp. black pepper

Mix ingredients in a small dish.
Use this seasoning as a marinade to grill, bake or fry chicken.

Steak Seasoning Spice Mix

• 1/4 cup kosher salt
• 2 tablespoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 smoked paprika
• Pinch cayenne pepper

Mix together in a bowl.  Sprinkle seasoning on steak to grill, bake or sear.  Enjoy!

Fajita Spice Mix

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

Mix together in a bowl.  Add the fajita seasoning to your meat (I like chicken!) in a skillet with half cup of water.  Simmer and reduce the liquid and then add in sliced peppers and onions.  Wrap in a warmed tortilla and enjoy!

No matter which way you look in your new and improved spice cabinet, dinner is served…starting with a little glass canister!