Homemade Herb Blends

With some basic herbs you probably already have in your pantry, you can make custom herb blends cheaper, fresher, and faster than the higher priced store versions. Here's a few recipes I pulled from my Reader's Digest Homemade cookbook.

Italian Herb Blend - Mix the following.
6 tbs drieds basil-crumbled
3 tbs dried oregano-crumbled
2 tbs dried parsley-crumbled
2 tbs dried thyme-crumbled
1 tsp dried garlic

Chili Powder - Mix the following.
3 tbs ground paprika
1 tbs ground cumin
1 tsp ground turmeric
1 tsp ground oregano
1 tsp garlic powder
1 1/8 tsp ground cayenne
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground black pepper

Creole Seasoning - Mix the following.
2/3 c ground cayenne
1/2 c + 2 tsp salt
1/4 c garlic powder
1/4 c onion powder
1/4 c chili powder
2 tbs + 2 tsp ground black pepper

Curry Powder - Mix the following.
1/4 c ground coriander
2 tbs ground turmeric
2 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp ground ginger
2 tsp ground allspice
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground celery seed
1 tsp ground ground black pepper
1/4 tsp ground cayenne

Herbal tips
Herbs should be stored in airtight containers in cool dark dry places. Most will keep for about 6 months.

Create powdered versions of dried herbs by giving them a whir in the blender or food processor.

Measure spices blends into several coffee filters folded and tied off with string or stapled closed for an herbal bag. Perfect for soups, broths, and teas. Place several herb bags in a decorative glass jar and give as a gift.

Freeze seldom used herbs to extend their shelf life!

Jenn also blogs about crafts, recipes and other home making tips at Frugal Front Porch.

Linked to Kitchen Tip Tuesday, Tightwad Tuesday and Tackle It Tuesday.