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spices

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How to make your own Old Bay Seasoning

Seafood recipes scream for a healthy dose of Old Bay Seasoning. If you don’t have that iconic tin hanging around the house, don’t fret. You can mix up your own with ingredients you probably already have in your cabinet. Plus, it’s always better to make your own spice blends because then you can adjust the heat according to your tastes. Old Bay Seasoning is the most beloved spice blends of the Mid-Atlantic, the South, and through parts of New England and the Gulf Coast — and for a good reason. It’s the perfect way to kick your seafood up a notch. But if you think it’s only for fish dishes, you’re missing out. Have some fun with it! Try it as a popcorn topper, add a pinch to melon slices, or sprinkle on top of your dinner rolls before baking. Rim the glass of your next Bloody Mary, dash it…

Homemade pumpkin pie spice blend

Do you know what’s in that pumpkin pie spice blend you purchased? Chances are, if you’re a fan of pumpkin spice, you might have some idea. But I’m here to convince you that making your own is the way to go. Here’s why: You’ll save money Spices don’t come cheap. Buy the good stuff, and you’ll be plunking down $5-15 for just a few tablespoons of various spices, and more if the spice is labor intensive to grow or harvest. But you’re buying pre-mixed spice blends, you’re choosing to spend more on spices than you even need to. You’ll get much less product, for way more money, and that mix is so highly specialized, it’s way more limited in use. You’ll save space Most spice blends are made from your basics. You’re probably already equipped to make pumpkin spice (and many other spice mixes) simply by having a reasonably well-stocked…

How to make your own Montreal Steak Seasoning

The days are getting longer, and that only means one thing — grilling season! Soon, we’ll be digging out our favorite fuss-free appliance from the garage and firing up the coals. Ah, sweet summertime is almost here. Grilling season calls for lots of different steak and burger recipes and seasonings. Rather than pay a premium for one small seasoning shaker, make your own mix at home. You’ll save money and be able to customize the blend. Montreal Steak Seasoning is one popular steak rub that can be found at nearly any grocery store nationwide. The unique blend and coarse texture make it great for sprinkling on steaks, burgers, hash browns, baked potatoes, salmon, or even roasted veggies. You can make it in no time with a mortar and pestle or spice mill, but if you don’t have one of those handy, have no fear. You can toss your spices in a…

Here’s how to spring clean your spice rack

You might be diligent about spring cleaning every year, but when was the last time you cleaned out your spice rack? Spices and herbs don’t spoil the same way produce or dairy does, but time does cause them to lose their potency and flavor. To help you decide what to keep and what to toss, McCormick Spice posted some interesting information on Facebook. According the Maryland-based spice maker, any spice label that says “Baltimore, MD” is way out of date. The company hasn’t produced spices there for at least 25 years. McCormick was founded in 1889 in downtown Baltimore, Maryland, but moved it’s production plant to Hunt Valley, Maryland about a quarter century ago. McCormick recommends replacing their ground spices, like nutmeg, cinnamon or curry, every two or three years, and their whole spices, like cloves, every three to four years. Seeds such as anise have a shelf life of about four…