Three Basic Seasoning Blends for A Well Stocked Kitchen

I have a lot of spices and herbs in my pantry. I try to keep smaller amounts, because while herbs and spices do not go bad necessarily, they do lose potency to the point you might as well add lawn clippings to your food. Always keep herbs and spices in a cool dark place. While a display of dried herbs and spices in clear jars may look chic, light is not your friend. 

I can live life quite satisfactorily with Salt, Pepper and three of my favorite blends.  You can buy these blends in most grocery stores; however, I prefer to make my own in order to control the ingredients and ratios. 

My number one blend is Herb de Provence. Herbes de Provence (or herbs de Provence) is a blend of dried Provençal herbs and spices. Herb de Provence is a French inspired blend of herbs that goes great on Chicken, Fish, roasted vegetables and more.  

Herb de Provence

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons oregano leaves 

• 3 tablespoons thyme leaves 

• 1 teaspoon basil leaves 

• 1 teaspoon sage leaf 

• 3 tablespoons savory 

• 2 tablespoons lavender flowers 

• 1 teaspoon rosemary

Preparation:

Combine all ingredients.  Mix well and spoon into a tightly-lidded jar. Store in a cool, dark place up to 4 months Season Salt

Italian Seasoning

Next on my list is Italian Seasoning which is my go to for all Italian dishes. I mix it with butter and garlic for bread and rolls. I put it in a warm saucer of good olive oil for dipping bread. 

There are over 20 regions in the Mediterranean that claim they invented Italian Seasoning. Whoever did originate it has my eternal gratitude. 

Italian Seasoning

Ingredients

• 2 Tablespoons basil

• 2 Tablespoons marjoram

• 2 Tablespoons oregano

• 2 Tablespoons rosemary

• 2 Tablespoons thyme

Preparation:

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined. 

2. Use immediately or store in an air tight container.

Seasoned Salt

There as great number of custom season salts that are great for putting on meats and vegetables. These are easy to find at your grocery store, but I like my own blend. 

Ingredients:

• 6 tablespoons salt

• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves

• 1/2 teaspoon marjoram

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt or garlic powder

• 2 1/4 teaspoons paprika

• 1/4 teaspoon curry powder

• 1 teaspoon dry mustard

• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

• 1/8 teaspoon dill weed

• 1/2 teaspoon celery salt

Preparation:

Put all ingredients into a mini food processor or small blender container and blend on low.