Nada Manley - Fun with Fashion Over 40

Ageless Style Confidence

  • Work With Me
  • Ageless Style Program
  • Videos
  • Blog
  • About
  • Contact
  • Login

Cheating in the Kitchen: DIY Spice Blends

April 11, 2012 By: Nada Manley5 Comments

3 simple spice blends

I had a chance to visit with my good friend Tami today, and the talk turned, as it often does, to food, and cooking, and what kids will and won’t eat. I was spoiled growing up. My Middle Eastern supermom made pita bread and baklava from scratch and a well-rounded home-cooked meal every night. I remember begging for the occasional boxed junk advertised on TV: Betty Crocker Scalloped Potatoes, for example, or Rice a Roni (remember that?). My mom would give in for a single meal, but the next night it would be back to real food. My midwestern husband grew up without homemade baklava and pita, but he did introduce me to a few of his own favorites. Some, like the Hamburger Helper he relied on frequently as a bachelor, never made their way into my kitchen (I do have some standards), but the favorite chicken recipe from his childhood, which got its creaminess and seasonings from a couple of cans of creamy soup and Lipton Golden Onion Soup mix, has made it into our regular rotation. The canned soup I’ve found harder to replicate (I’ve switched to an organic version), but the powdered soup mix is a cinch. As is taco seasoning blend. And ranch dressing mix. All of these DIY spice blends are as close as your spice rack, and so much healthier than the highly processed store-bought versions. They are lower in sodium, with no yucky chemicals or hydrogenated oils (yes, some spice mixes have trans fats!). 3 simple spice blends

Taco Seasoning

A simple mix of everyday spices, including garlic and onion powders and chili powder, this couldn’t be easier to make. Mix up more than you need and store it in your spice rack for future use. My favorite versions are from WholeNewMom and Food Renegade, which features the following easy ingredient list:

  • 1 Tbsp. Chili Powder
  • 1/4 tsp. Garlic Powder
  • 1/4 tsp. Onion Powder
  • 1/4 tsp. Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
  • 1/4 tsp. Dried Oregano
  • 1/2 tsp. Paprika
  • 1 1/2 tsp. Ground Cumin
  • 1 tsp. Sea Salt
  • 1 tsp. Black Pepper (optional)

Homemade Ranch Seasoning

Again, a simple mix of spices you already have in your cabinet, this one from Amy’s Finer Things. Stir some into Greek yogurt and you have a healthy dip for veggies.
  • 1 tablespoon dried chives
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley
  • 1 tablespoon dried dill weed
  • 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons onion salt
  • ¾ teaspoon ground black pepper

Onion Soup Mix

This recipe takes seconds and will work in all your mom’s old recipes. 
8 tsp. dry minced onion
1 tsp onion powder
4 tsp beef bouillon or 4 cubs
1/4 tsp celery salt
So simple! Have you ever attempted to make your own spice blend?

More from Nada

  • Proof that I need to stop food shopping!Proof that I need to stop food shopping!
  • How To Turn Back The Clock in 2022How To Turn Back The Clock in 2022
  • Party Planning: A Wizard of Oz Class Birthday PartyParty Planning: A Wizard of Oz Class Birthday Party
  • Catalog Week Concludes: What to Buy from Garnet HillCatalog Week Concludes: What to Buy from Garnet Hill
  • 10 Best Sunscreens for the Face10 Best Sunscreens for the Face
  • What To Do If You Hate To ShopWhat To Do If You Hate To Shop
Sovrn

Comments

  1. Nada Manley says

    September 30, 2019 at 9:24 pm

    You’re welcome! Glad you liked them!

  2. Enrique Pasion says

    August 5, 2019 at 5:13 pm

    Thank you for sharing these homemade spice recipes. I have always been wanting to whip up these DIY seasonings and spices. Much appreciated.

  3. Pete says

    July 10, 2019 at 1:06 am

    Such an amazing article you got here. Thank you for sharing your thoughts this will really help us out a lot.

  4. Nada Manley says

    April 14, 2012 at 1:25 am

    They really are so high in sodium and lots of other junk. And it’s cheaper too. : ) Thanks for the comment! Love your blog!

  5. Winnie says

    April 11, 2012 at 5:27 pm

    Can’t wait to try this. Thank you for sharing. Gosh, I used to love Rice A-Roni as a kid…Gosh, I bit it is loaded with salt!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Anti-Spam Quiz:

FREE OVER 40 WARDROBE GUIDE!

Discover how to overhaul your wardrobe and have fun with fashion again!

CLICK HERE!

I’m so happy to see you here! I’m Nada Manley, your "fashion friend"! I can't wait to help you conquer your closet and regain your style confidence. First, let me tell you more about me.
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

8-Book Series! Beauty Tips from the Experts

Archives

Copyright © 2023 · Nada Manley

  • Work With Me
  • Ageless Style Program
  • Videos
  • Blog
  • About
  • Contact
  • Login