Making Your Own Spice Blends

Walking down the spice aisle in the grocery store, have you ever noticed just how expensive some of those prepackaged spice blends can be? Instead of paying an arm and a leg to purchase some spice blends that have been premixed, why not make your own spice blends? Making your own blends is a remarkably easy thing to do, as long as you are not afraid to experiment a little. Here are a few simple spice blend recipes that you can use as a starting point for creating your own unique blends.

Apple Pie Spice Blend

Who doesn't love a slice of warm apple pie? Here is a great recipe for apple pie spice the next time you feel in the mood for some baking.

Ingredients:

• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom

Preparation:

This spice blend is extremely easy to make. All you really need to do is to place all the ingredients into a bowl and mix together. After using the spice blend, if you have any left over be sure that you store it properly. A great way to store it would be in an airtight container, such as an empty spice bottle.

Seafood Spice Blend

Do you have a fish fry coming up? If so, then try using this mix of savory spices to liven things up a little. Be sure that you save any extra for later use.

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons sesame seeds (toasted and ground)
• 3 tablespoons of dill weed (dried and ground)
• 3 tablespoons of paprika
• 1 tablespoon of garlic powder

Preparation:

Mix all the ingredients together thoroughly. Once the spice mix is blended completely place it into a clean spice jar and store it in a dry, dark area of the kitchen (such as the cabinet). When using the spice, simply sprinkle a little on the seafood as you are getting ready to cook it.

Chili Powder

Do you have a family chili night coming up? Perhaps you are in the mood for spicing up your next meal with a little chili powder? Whatever the reason, chili powder is a fast becoming a favorite spice mix among American chefs. Here is a simple recipe that you can use.

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon bakers chocolate (shaved)

Preparation:

Mix the ingredients together thoroughly. One way to be sure that you have mixed everything completely is to place all the ingredients in a bowl, and use a hand mixer or a whisk to blend everything together. Store in an airtight container, and use whenever your recipes call for a touch of chili powder.

Whatever type of spice blend you want, keep in mind one thing—experimentation. Don't be afraid to spend a little time experimenting with your herbs and spices. As you experiment, write down the ingredients that you use, the quantities used, and the results. This way you will be able to tell which experiments were successful and which weren't. Also, by writing down what you are doing, you won't forget the recipe of any successful, or favorite, spice blend.