Make Your Own Italian Seasoning, Curry Powder, & Poultry Seasoning

I guess I'm on a spice kick this week. I've shared several of my favorite spice mixes in previous posts (Fiesta Taco Seasoning Mix, 14-Spice Dry Rub Mix, and Pumpkin Pie Spice Mix).

Today I'm sharing recipes for 3 more of my favorite homemade spice mixes. These are made with herbs and spices that you may already have in your pantry, and they are so versatile. Sure, you can buy these at the store already mixed. But, it's fun to make your own, you can control the ingredients, and it can save you money. These spice blends also make easy, fun gifts. You'll find downloadable tags for them below.

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ITALIAN SEASONING BLEND

Click to view & print Italian Seasoning Blend recipe

Ingredients: rosemary, thyme, basil, marjoram, rosemary.

Combine these in a bowl, whisk them together, and you're done. Store them in an airtight jar.

Uses for Italian Seasoning Blend:

• Season pasta sauce.
• Sprinkle on pizza.
• Sprinkle on sliced tomatoes.
• Add to scrambled eggs.
• Sprinkle on garlic toast.
• Add to panko crumbs for breading for baked chicken or fish.
• Add to vinaigrette for salad dressing.

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POULTRY SEASONING BLEND

Click to view & print Poultry Seasoning Blend recipe

Ingredients: thyme, white pepper, marjoram, sage, rosemary, nutmeg allspice

Combine these in a bowl, whisk them together, and you're done. Store them in an airtight jar.

Uses for Poultry Seasoning Blend:

• Rub on surface of poultry before cooking.
• Season chicken or turkey soups.
• Season stuffing/dressing; add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon for 4 cups of stuffing/dressing.

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CURRY SPICE BLEND - Many people think curry is a spice, but it is actually a blend of several spices. Different curries can contain a variety of ingredients. Turmeric gives curry it's yellow color and is also super nutritious (It has cancer-fighting properties and lowers blood sugar). Here's a curry spice combo that I like. Bump up the cayenne if you like a curry with lots of heat.

Click to view & print Curry Powder Blend recipe

Ingredients: cinnamon, cayenne, cumin, white pepper, turmeric, paprika, coriander, ginger, cardamom, mustard.  

NOTE: It's quicker and easier to use spices that are already ground, especially if you already have those on hand. For a fresher, more flavorful blend, start with whole cumin, cardamom, and coriander seeds. Toast them first in a skillet, then grind them in a blender or food processor. 

Combine these in a bowl, whisk them together, and you're done. Store them in an airtight jar.

Uses for Curry Powder Blend:

• Use to season a stir fry.
• Mix with coconut milk and soy sauce for a Thai curry sauce.
• Add to yogurt or sour cream (with some salt and garlic powder) for a tasty dip or base for chicken salad.
• Sprinkle on roasted veggies before cooking.

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DOWNLOADABLE LABELS OR TAGS - You can use these tags to label your spice blend jars for your own use or to give as gifts.

Click on the image below to download & print a single sheet with 8 of each of the tags:

To use the tags:

• print on sticker paper, cut out, and adhere to the jar or lid.
• print on card stock, cut out, punch a hole in the corner, tie with a string or ribbon to the jar rim.

These 3 spice blend recipes make 1/2 cup each, so they fit perfectly in 4 oz. mason jars like these.

Or, put them in 4 oz. spice jars like these. I used old jars that I had washed and saved. You can buy spice jars at Penzeys Spices, Bed, Bath & Beyond, The Container Store, and Amazon. If you print the tags on sticker paper you can stick them onto the jars like this.

Or, print the labels on card stock and hang them around the neck of the jar.

There are so many ways to use these 3 blends. They are convenient to have on hand, they taste great, and they're good for you. Let me know if you have any new ideas for how to use them.

Check out my post to see several methods for organizing spices:
 How to Organize Your Spices

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Make it a yummy day!