Topic: Spice/seasoning packets

[barleychown]

I've always wondered what makes up each of the different spice or seasoning packets you can buy in the store. I hate when I get inspired to make something, only to find out I don't have that packet in the house...

So, I'm slowly finding the ingredients, and thought I'd share them here:

Chili mix

3T. paprika
1T. cumin
2 T. oregano
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. cayenne

[barleychown]

Seasoned salt

8 T. salt
3 T. pepper
2 T. paprika
1/2 T. onion powder
1/2 T. garlic powder

[patches]

Geesh, thanks for the recipe for Seasoned Salt, Sarah!    It's sure easy enough, and I always have those things on hand.    I love to put it on French Fries when  I make them. 

[Triss]

Hey, this is a great idea...  To add to the season salt, if you like Big Boy salt, add curry to your mix and that will give you the same flavor.

[Patty S]

Worse having to go to the store for a packet of sauce mix at the last minute, is going into shock when you find out what they cost these days! Keith doesn't especially like the sauces from cans or packages found at the store anyway, & most of the ingredients are those that we all have in our spice racks.   

I have the Make-A-Mix Cookery book, which is full of recipes that can take the daily WORK out of cooking!  

When our kids were growing up & I cooked for 6 people, I'd spend an afternoon in the kitchen about once a month, mixing & packaging mixes for everything from soups & main dishes, to desserts.  Using the recipes from this book, I combined & stored the basic (dry) ingredients for cookies, rolls & muffins in gallon jars, sauce mixes (like the ones you can buy at the store) in baggies, & main-meal sauces (meat included) in air tight Tupperware, in the freezer, so I could throw together quick & easy meals & snacks later on.   

I still use some of these recipes, & here's one that Keith likes:

Sloppy Joe Seasoning Mix 

  1 TBSP instant minced onion
  1 tsp dried green pepper flakes
  1 tsp salt
  1 tsp cornstarch
  ½ tsp instant minced garlic
  ¼ tsp dry mustard
  ¼ tsp celery seed
  ¼ tsp chili powder

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl until evenly distributed.

*This makes 3 Tbsp (1 "package") of mix... enough for 6 servings. When making several portions up for later use, package in airtight container(s) & store in a cool, dry place. Use within 6 months.


Instructions for making the Sloppy Joes are included in the book:

Brown 1 pound lean ground beef in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Drain excess grease.

Combine Sloppy Joe seasoning mix, ½ cup water, 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce & bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Serve over toasted hamburger buns.
Makes 6 servings.

I highly recommend this cookbook to people who have to cook (whether they like to or not), those on a budget, & those who just like to eat!

[MassMama]

I will have to check.. Can't right now but I have a really good taco seasoning mix some where ..

[duh]

Lawry's Seasoned Salt
2 tablespoons pepper
1 tablespoon chicken bouillon powder
1 teaspoon onion salt
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon garlic salt
1 teaspoon cumin powder
1 teaspoon dry marjoram leaves
1 tablespoon minced parsley
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon curry powder
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/3 cup salt

Mix all ingredients together thoroughly, or put all ingredients into a 1-quart mayonnaise jar with tight fitting lid, shaking until blended well. Keep at room temperature. Use within 3 months.
Yields about 1 cup.

[duh]

Taco Seasoning Mix

                           Makes 4 servings

2 tsp      Instant minced onion
1 tsp      Salt
1 tsp      chili powder
1/2 tsp   corn starch
1/2 tsp   crushed dried red pepper
1/2 tsp   instant minced garlic
1/4 tsp   dried oregano
1/4 tsp   ground cumin

Mix all ingredients together.  Use 2T of mix with 1 lb of hamburger and 1/2 cup water.

VERY VERY MILD

[Penny]

More great recipes, its nice to see these, and the different variations that can be used.

[duh]

yep I can wait to see the other taco mix.  Mine is super mild and I usually end up adding bunches of chili powder to it to make it spicey enough.  And I can't handle spicy food.  So that tells you how mild this is.

[biita]

This is great,,, since i can't get alot of the pre-mixed packets here in Norway but i remember them from the states,, thank you so much,, now i can make alot of what i used to there, but didn't have the pre-made stuff,,, tusen takk  (thank you so much)

[MassMama]

this is the one I use off the recipezaar.. I really like it a lot

Taco Seasoning
2 1/2  tablespoons chili powder 
1 1/2  tablespoons paprika 
2  tablespoons cumin 
2  teaspoons oregano, preferably Mexican oregano 
1  tablespoon garlic powder 
1 1/2  tablespoons onion flakes or onion powder 
1/2  teaspoon cayenne pepper, omit if you like it mild and increase if you like it spicier 
1  teaspoon salt, adjust for your taste the salt helps to keep it fresh when storing    this one you could put some in a little cloth to keep it fresh and so you don't have to add the salt but can have the freshness...
Mix all spices together.
Store in airtight container. Will keep for 6 months to a year.
7 teaspoons of this spice mix is the equivalent of one 1.25 oz packet of store bought taco seasoning. This recipe makes the equivalent of 4 spice packets.
To make tacos- mix 7 tsp (or 2 T and 1 t) to 1 lb ground meat that has been browned and drained of fat. Add 3/4 cup water and stir to blend. Cook til water has evaporated.

[duh]

Thanks for sharing Rita.  I get in the mood for mexican and I can't stop sometimes so it really helps to be able to make the mix myself.

[MassMama]

I make big batches and keep them in canning Jars.. Then I don't have to worry .. remind me to post Chili powder.. that also turned out wonderful!!