Personalize Your Spices

Is it time to spring clean the spice cabinet? Most of us have spices too old to remember when they were purchased. Many times we buy a bottle of a certain spice when a small amount is required to make a new recipe. 

Internet searches give suggestions for suitable substitutes. Chances are you've developed some of your own blends which suit your palate.

The Chicken Tagine recipe in this month's Fine Cooking magazine has a Moroccan spice blend ras el hanout in the list of ingredients but offers a DIY blend in the headnote. These spices are likely found in most pantries.

Ras el hanout

(2 teaspoon)

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon ginger

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon coriander

1/4 teaspoon allspice

 

Here are more of my homemade spice blends:

 

Homemade Taco Seasoning 

(Makes 3 1/2 cups)

2 cup chili powder
2/3 cup ground cumin
2/3 cup garlic powder
2 tablespoon 2 teaspoon ground white pepper
1 tablespoon 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Mix and store in closed container. 

This is the recipe we made in the HSC Cafe.   

 

Seafood Seasoning 

(Makes 2/3 cup:  One serving is 1/4 teaspoon)

4 tablespoon celery seed
3 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon black pepper
2 1/3 teaspoon allspice
3/4 teaspoon mustard powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne 

 

Cajun Seasoning

(1 teaspoon)

1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Pinch white pepper
Pinch cayenne
Pinch dried thyme
Pinch dried oregano

Blackened Seasoning

(Serves 2)

1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon salt

National Nutrition Month® is an annual campaign created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. During the month of March, everyone is invited to learn about making informed food choices and developing healthful eating and physical activity habits.

This year's theme is "Personalize Your Plate." There is no one-size-fits-all approach to nutrition and health. We are all unique with different bodies, goals, backgrounds and tastes! And a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist can tailor a healthful eating plan that is as special as you are.