Homemade Seasoning Mixes

It never ceases to amaze me how simple it is to make at home some of the packaged mixes that you pick up a the grocery store.  When I posted the Bacon Ranch Broccoli Slaw last month, I got a few questions about the ranch seasoning mix in the photo, since it was in a mason jar and not a branded package.  So today we're looking at making a couple of my kitchen staples from the other kitchen staples in my pantry: ranch mix and taco seasoning.  These are two things I use all the time, seeing as Dave and I eat Mexican food all.the.time. and I like to use the ranch mix in different crock pot meals or even just stirred into a container of sour cream for an easy veggie dip.  These two versions replicate their store-bought counterparts and serve a couple of purposes.  You likely have all the ingredients in your pantry already, so it's going to be cheaper for you to make them at home than drop a buck or more for one serving of each of these (there's about a 1/4 cup of each mix in a store-bout packet).  And, if you know how to make it at home, there's no need to run to the store when you realize you have all the ingredients for a recipe...except the seasoning packet.  (You've been there.  I have, too.  It sucks.)  And finally, you can control the quality and freshness of the spices and herbs going in, which also lets you tailor it slightly to your taste.  Want a taco seasoning with more kick?  Use a spicy chili powder.  Done and done.

These recipes from Jamie at Self Reliance by Jamie got pinned ages ago, but I had a big jar of both mixes to use up, so I didn't make them until recently.  And on occasion I'll still use Penzey's Taco Seasoning because it's got a slightly different texture and season to it, these are my go to options when a recipe calls for a packet of the stuff.  It's cheaper, it's easy, it's likely fresher, and it's nice to know exactly what's in the packet (and what's not).  You can scale the ingredients to make bigger batches if you tend to use a lot of it.  Just store in an airtight container, label, and be the cook who made the entire dish, including the seasoning, from scratch!



Taco Seasoning Mix

Ingredients

1/2 cup chili powder
1/4 cup onion powder
2 Tablespoons ground cumin
1 Tablespoon garlic powder
1 Tablespoon paprika
1 Tablespoon sea salt

Measure ingredients into a jar or other container with an airtight lid.  Shake vigorously until combined.  Store sealed.

To use in place of a standard packet, measure out 1/4 cup of seasoning.

Makes a little more than 1 cup of seasoning mix.


Ranch Mix

Ingredients

5 Tablespoons dried minced onions
7 teaspoons parsley flakes
4 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dill weed


Measure ingredients into a jar or other container with an airtight lid.  Shake vigorously until combined.  Store sealed.

For ranch dressing: mix 2 Tablespoons mix with 1 cup mayonnaise and 1 cup buttermilk or sour cream.  Chill for 1-2 hours before serving.


For dip, mix 2 Tablespoons mix with 2 cups sour cream.  Chill for 1-2 hours before serving.


Makes a little more than 1/2 cup of seasoning mix.


Happy Baking,

The Cookie Princess


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