Seasoning Life

Garlic Bread Seasoning

1/2 C powdered Parmesan cheese (like the stuff in the green jar)
2 tsp kosher salt
2 Tbsp garlic powder
2 tsp oregano
2 tsp basil
2 tsp marjoram
1 tsp parsley flakes

Combine these and mix them well (no one wants a big mouthful of garlic powder). Store in an airtight container. I use a lot of this, so I make a huge batch and store it in a well cleaned salsa jar. When I get low, I just dump a bunch more in and shake it up to mix the old with the new.

My two favorite uses for this are in pizza sauce (recipe below) and on garlic toast. I slice up a couple loaves of French bread and spread on a mix of softened butter and this seasoning. Sprinkle on a little mozzarella and stick those slices under the broiler for a minute or two and they make the perfect side dish! I also use this seasoning to make garlic breadsticks, seasoned pizza crust, etc...

Pizza Sauce

6 oz tomato paste
6 oz water (just use the empty tomato paste can)
3 Tbsp garlic bread seasoning
1 tsp granulated sugar or honey
3/4 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

Empty tomato paste into a mixing bowl and slowly add water while whisking to combine. Add remaining ingredients and whisk again to combine. Allow to sit until ready to use. Makes enough for two average size pizzas.

I usually just whip this up before I start working with my pizza dough (either frozen and thawed or quick dough). I let it sit on the counter for about 20 minutes, but a little less or more won't make a difference. This does refrigerate pretty well, so if you don't need the whole thing, store the rest up to a week or freeze for up to three months. It's also great as a dip for breadsticks or pepperoni rolls, if you heat it up or serve at room temperature.

Taco Seasoning

4 Tbsp chili powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
4 tsp sea salt or kosher salt
1 tsp oregano
2 tsp paprika (I use sweet Spanish paprika, but feel free to use whatever you like or have on hand)
2 Tbsp cumin
4 tsp fresh ground black pepper

Combine all and store in an airtight container.

I use 1 Tbsp per pound of meat, but feel free to use more if you like more spice.

Fajita Seasoning

1 Tbsp corn starch or arrowroot powder
2 1/2 - 3 tsp chili powder
1 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp chicken or beef bouillon granules
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp cumin

Mix all and store in an airtight container. Again, I use about 1 Tbsp per pound of meat.

This seasoning is good on chicken, beef and pork. I'm sure you can use it on other kinds of meat, those are just the ones I've tried. I almost always make this with chicken bouillon, regardless of the kind of meat I'm going to use. The chicken flavor is mild enough that it just blends in.

So there you have it - my favorite spice mix recipes. I hope you'll try these out and tweak them to fit your taste buds and those of your family.