Toast the Seeds: If you have whole cumin or mustard seeds, toast them in a dry pan for 60 seconds before grinding. It adds a smoky depth you can’t get from pre-ground jars.
The “Old Bay” Secret: For that authentic texture, crumble the bay leaves into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder.
Bloom Your Spices: When cooking with the Taco, Fajita, or Cajun blends, add the spices to the oil or fat in the pan for 30 seconds before adding your liquids. This “blooms” the fat-soluble flavors.
Storage: Store these in airtight glass jars in a cool, dark place. They’ll stay potent for about 6 to 12 months.
tbsp = Table Spoon | tsp = Tea Spoon
Taco Seasoning Blend
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 1/2 tsp paprika
- 2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne
- 2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/4 tsp oregano
Fajita Seasoning Blend
- 2 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 2 tsp paprika
- 2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp sugar
Cajun Seasoning Blend
- 2 1/2 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 2 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp cayenne
- 2 tbsp salt
- 1 tbsp pepper
- 1 tbsp oregano
- 1 tbsp thyme
Chili Seasoning Blend
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- Optional: 1/2 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder (adds a rich, dark color and earthiness)
Old Bay Seasoning Blend
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp cayenne
- 2 tbsp celery salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1/4 tsp mustard seed
- 1/8 tsp ginger
- 1/8 tsp all spice
- 1/8 tsp nutmeg
- 3 bay leaf
Italian Seasoning Blend
- 4 tbsp basil
- 1/2 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp rosemary
- 1 tsp sage
- 1 tsp marjoram
- 2 1/4 tbsp oregano
- 2 tbsp thyme
Pumpkin Spice Blend
- 3 tbsp cinnamon
- 2 tsp ginger
- 2 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp all spice
- 1 tsp cloves