Store bought seasonings

 Many of us have busy lives and succumb to convenience products when shopping. It's hard to avoid when so many are available, though sometimes to the detriment of our pockets. Especially recent events have given the major stores so many excuses and reasons to choose from for price increases. One group of convenience items that annoys me is the spice mixes, many are so overpriced I find it hard to believe.

So my first tip is if you need some dried herbs or spices do not go to the mainstream stores but pop into your local Asian food store or Chinese supermarket. These are no longer the hard-to-find resources that they once were and I'm sure you will find at least one near you. Instead of buying a little tube or jar of overpriced herbs or spices, you will find much bigger bags available for usually less than you were paying before. 

Next, the magical spice mixes promise to take your meal preparation to new flavours of the world. They are convenient but essentially a con so next time you're in the spice aisle pick up your favourite herb or spice mix, turn it around and read the ingredients. Many of these you may even have in your cupboard at home. So either take a photo or write down the ingredients, or you can even just remember the brand name and look it up later at your home PC on the web. Once you know what's in it try making the blend yourself. As a trial, I usually start with a half teaspoon of each mix together then give it a whirl. Usually, the cheapest ingredients make up the bulk so if narrowing the flavour in future mixes keep that in mind on what to increase or decrease. The beauty of this is also tailoring it to your own taste, so you can make it more or less spicy, herby etc.

I have carried this practice out for years making many 'store-bought' seasonings and even making my own curry powder it's fun and satisfying.

Here are some examples I use:

Italian Seasoning

• 1 tsp basil
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp rosemary
• 1/2 tsp ground chilli
• 1 tsp sea salt

Herbs de Provence

• 1 tsp basil
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp marjoram
• 1 tsp rosemary

Optional below

• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp tarragon
• 1 tsp summer savory
• 1 bay leaf

Taco Seasoning

• 2tsp chilli powder
• 1tsp paprika
• 1 1/2 tsp cumin
• 2tsp parsley flakes
• 1tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp oregano

Chicken Seasoning

• 1 tsp sage
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp marjoram
• 1 tsp rosemary
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp sea salt

Hot Madras Curry Powder

• 1 tsp coriander
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp garam Masala
• 2 tsp turmeric
• 1/2-1 tsp chilli powder

Add these below to make it more authentic

• 1/2 tsp mustard seed
• 1/2 tsp pepper ground
• 1 tsp fenugreek (Methi)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp fennel seed
• 1/2 tsp cardamom pods