Homemade Spice Blends

My aunt Cindy always sends delicious spice blends in bountiful boxes of jams and other preserves at Christmas time. These three recipes are hers.

Southwestern Seasoning

Use a combination of the following dried herbs and spices, ground fine:

• Ancho Pepper
• Chipotle Pepper
• Onion
• Garlic
• Oregano
• Cumin
• Black Pepper
• Cayenne
• Paprika
• Coriander
• Cilantro

Excellent as a poultry rub, as well as a spicy base for burritos, tacos and fajitas.

Sausage Herbs

Can be coarse or ground fine:

• Black Pepper (ground fine)
• Marjoram
• Thyme
• Bay Leaf (pulverized)
• Summer Savory
• Coriander

Another fantastic savory rub for poultry or red meat. Also delicious in soups or as an addition to broth. Add it to your homemade sausage for a traditional flavor.

Herbes de Provence

Use at least 2 to 1, required herbs to optional herbs.

Required:

• Summer Savory
• Marjoram
• Thyme
• Oregano

Optional:

• Sage
• Rosemary
• Fennel Seeds
• Lavender Flowers

This traditional blend from the south of France lends an aromatic sweetness to your food. Our family favorite is slices of rustic bread brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with these herbs and some coarse salt, then toasted in a hot oven for five minutes.