}]; Noreen's Kitchen: Homemade Spice Blend
Showing posts with label Homemade Spice Blend. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Homemade Spice Blend. Show all posts

Friday, September 2, 2016

Spice is Nice! Homemade Smoky Southwest Seasoning Blend Recipe!!




Today I am sharing with you another awesome spice blend that you can reach for anytime!  This is my Smoky Southwester Seasoning blend and it is just a little smoky and a little spicy, but not too much and give amazing southwester flavor that you will love!

I love making these seasoning blends and sharing them with you. Judging from your responses and requests for more, you love them too!  They are all so versatile and can be used in multiple ways and this one is no exception.  I am making a quick roasted pork tenderloin for dinner using this blend and I will be sharing that with you soon!

As with all good southwestern blends, this one starts with chili powder and paprika.  Then the requisite garlic powder and onion powder, but in this case I have used a roasted garlic powder that lends a different flavor profile from plain granulated garlic.  It is much deeper and has a more mellow tastes.  Of course cumin has to make an appearance as well as oregano.  I like to use Mexican Oregano in a blend like this but whatever you have on your spice rack will do fine.  Then we added dried cilantro and marjoram.  Now for the real business of this spice mix that makes it smoky and delicious!  If you have never seen it, I highly recommend that you seek out smoked salt on your next visit to the spice aisle.  I have used a hickory smoked salt that I purchased online.  This lends the salt factor along with a delicious smoky undertone that is going to be perfect to accentuate the flavors of this spice blend.  Now for the heat!  I have used a combination of chipotle chili powder, ancho chili powder and cracked black pepper to give this some oomph.  



I poured all the spices and herbs out onto a parchment then folded it together and poured them into a mason jar.  I only made enough so that it would fit into a jelly jar, which is approximately 1 cup in size.  This way you can make it fresh when you need it if you are running low.  Give the jar a good shake and you are off to the races!

This seasoning mix would be a great holiday gift idea!  Make a bunch in a big bowl then jar it up in either quarter or half pint jars, with pretty lid decorations and you will be remembered for Christmases to come long after the spices are gone!

Be sure to keep your smoky southwestern seasoning blend in a cool, dark and dry place.  This will help to ensure that it stays fresh and does not lose any of it's awesome flavor!  



I recommend using this seasoning as a dry rub for chicken, beef or pork, or even as a great seasoning for grilled shrimp or fish.  I think it would be delicious mixed into a compound butter that is used to flavor grilled or roasted corn on the cob.  The possibilities are endless and you will find yourself reaching for this seasoning often!  

When I served our dinner of quick roasted pork loin using this seasoning, my youngest exclaimed how good she thought it was.  That was saying something, since she is a pretty tough nut to crack when it comes to tasty meals.  I hope you will give this seasoning blend a try and I hope you love it!

You can find smoked salt here: 
 http://amzn.to/2bxsPmy

You can find Badia roasted garlic powder here:
http://amzn.to/2bxsTmi

Happy Eating!

You can see how I made this in my YouTube video:




Noreen's Kitchen
 Smoky Southwestern
Seasoning Blend


Ingredients
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon roasted garlic powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried cilantro
1 tablespoon dried marjoram
1 teaspoon chipotle powder
1 teaspoon ancho chili powder
1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
1 tablespoon smoked salt


Step by Step Instructions

Combine all spices in mason jar and shake well to combine.

Use as a rub for chicken, beef or pork and add to vegetable dishes or eggs for a smoky southwestern flair.

Use as a seasoning for fajitas by adding 1 tablespoon per pound of meat.

Store in a cool, dark, dry place for best results and to retain flavor.  Use within 6 months. 

Enjoy!


You can find a printable version of the recipe on my website:  


Sunday, January 5, 2014

The Magic of Herbes De Provence!

When you hear the phrase "Herbes De Provence"  do you get a little confused or intimidated?  No worries!  Today I'm here to help explain what they are, how easy you can mix them together yourself and how delicious you are going to find them on chicken, fish, beef, pork and even scrambled eggs!

This French spice blend which hails from the Provence region of France has it's roots in convenience.   History records that ladies in the region would pick herbs from the countryside as well as their own well maintained gardens and dry and blend them together to make this wonderful verdant blend.  Over time, this has evolved into a very prized addition to many a chef's spice shelf.

The basics in this are simple.  All Herbes De Provence blends have fennel seed, oregano, marjoram, savory, thyme, rosemary and basil.  Some people add lemon zest, lavender, garlic, chervil, parsley, and more.  I like to add salt and pepper to mine to make it an easy to reach for all purpose seasoning that can take you from breakfast all the way through dinner!

Sprinkle this in your scrambled or over easy eggs for a real treat in the morning.  Toss a pinch into your vineagrette or into your mixed greens for a powerful herbaceous punch to your green salad!  Crust your chicken, steak or pork tenderloin with a generous portion of this blend and roast for an amazingly flavored main dish that will have you asking for more!

Hands down, this spice blend in one of my favorites to go to in the kitchen.  It has everything for a simple roasted meat. Mix it in with some olive oil and a little more salt and roast some potatoes with it and you will just love them.  This has all the wonderful notes of every herb you put in there.  Everything from the garlic to the rosemary to the savory is easily recognized.  You are going to love this basic kitchen wonder as well!

If you want some great resources for getting herbs and spices to build this blend, you can go to these places that I frequent because of their quality, service and price:

Rose Mountain Herbs:
http://bit.ly/1alNKeA

San Francisco Herb and Tea Company
http://bit.ly/1hpRvZF 

The Spice Barn
http://bit.ly/1doibTE

I hope that you will give this a try sometime soon and I hope you love it!

Happy Eating!

If you would like to see how I made my own blend of Herbes De. Provence, have a look here: