Spice up lunch

Those packets of spice mixes they sell at the grocery store are so convenient, but a lot of them contain Msg. I try to avoid Msg when possible. Msg (monosodium glutamate) is a chemical additive commonly used by the food industry to enhance flavor. Some studies have shown that Msg more or less excites the neurons in our brains and can cause side effects such as seizures, brain cell and damage, allergies, rashes, asthma attacks, headaches, and brain tumors. The FDA recognizes Msg as a safe food additive, but I like to come to my own conclusions on most things. Is it safe or not? We may never know for sure..but I figured limiting yet another chemical we don't need sure can't do any harm!

Here's a few spice mix recipes that can be premixed then stored in glass spice jars or airtight bags. Double the ingredients for larger batches, and adjust ingredients to your personal tastes. Enjoy!


Ranch Seasoning

1 tablespoon dried parsley, crushed
1 teaspoon dried dill weed
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried onion flakes
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper



Cajun Seasoning

3 1/2 tablespoons salt
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon ground black pepper



Taco Seasoning

1 tablespoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon black pepper



Bay Seafood Seasoning

1 tablespoon ground bay leaves
2 1/2 teaspoons celery salt
1 1/2 teaspoons dry mustard
1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper
3/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon red pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground mace (optional)
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom (optional)



All-Purpose Seasoning

1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon celery seeds
1 tablespoon onion flakes
2-1/4 teaspoons cream of tartar
1-1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1-1/2 teaspoons powdered orange rind
1-1/2 teaspoons arrowroot
1-1/2 teaspoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
1/2 teaspoon dill weed
1/2 teaspoon thyme
1/2 teaspoon powdered lemon rind
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper



Indian Masala
2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
1 tablespoon ground coriander
1 tablespoon ground cumin
3/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/4 teaspoon cayenne



Steak Seasoning

4 tablespoons salt
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon dehydrated onion
1/2 tablespoon dehydrated garlic
1/2 tablespoon crushed red pepper
1/2 tablespoon dried thyme
1/2 tablespoon dried rosemary
1/2 tablespoon dried fennel




Mediterranean Seasoning

4 teaspoons dried whole marjoram
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried lemon peel
1/8 teaspoon bay leaves -- ground



Lemon Pepper Seasoning

1 cup ground black pepper
1/3 cup dried lemon peel
3 tablespoons coriander seeds
1/4 cup dried minced onion
1/4 cup dried thyme leaves



Apple Pie Spice

8 parts ground cinnamon
4 parts ground nutmeg
2 parts ground allspice
1 part ground cloves or ginger



Pumpkin Pie Spice

1/2 cup cinnamon
1/4 cup ground ginger
2 tablespoons nutmeg
2 tablespoons ground cloves


Here's the spice containers I use for my homemade mixes.  I absolutely LOVE these!! The quality is great and I like the fact that they're magnetic, plus you can see each spice without having to take a bottle out and inspect the contents.