Update: For even more mix recipes check out my new post here.
I’ve been out of town and there’s so much to catch up about. But first I’d like to give you a post that’s actually useful :).
Our large family uses a lot of spice mixes especially ranch dressing mix; taco seasoning; and onion soup mix. I’ve never purchased a packet of seasoning from the store–it’s too expensive for my sensitivities :). But I have gotten tired of running out of seasoning and having to make it on the fly. Life is much easier since I’ve put together a whole quart of stuff at a time.
While the spices make beautiful layered art in the jars, I give them a good long shake before using to make sure everything is mixed well.
Also, these jars look really cute with chalkboard labels cut out of chalkboard contact paper. I’ll do that one day. For now, just imagine how cute it would be :).
To save money, I use the $1 jars of spices found at Dollar Tree; Walmart; and Aldi.
Quart Taco Seasoning Mix:
1 cup chili powder
1 cup dried onion flakes
¾ cup ground cumin
¾ cup garlic salt
1/3 cup truvia (or sugar)
3 Tbs Paprika
Add 2 Tbs to season 1 lb of browned ground meat. (Add a little water if you like to help it mix in better.)
Quart Onion Soup Mix:
2 ½ cups dried minced onion
1 cup onion powder
1 cup MSG free beef bullion
1 tsp stevia
1 tsp celery seed
4 Tablespoons equals 1 packet of purchased mix
Quart Ranch Dressing Mix:
2/3 c onion powder
2/3 c garlic powder
½ c salt
2 Tbs pepper
2/3 cup dried parsley
2/3 cup dried chives
¼ cup dill (opt)
¼ cup stevia (opt)
2 Tbs = 1 mix packet. Use in recipes or to make dressing add to 1 cup mayo and 1 cup buttermilk, plain yogurt, or sour cream. You can thin to desired consistency with milk or water. Shake well before using. This tastes better after chilling for several hours.
There are a few other recipes I’m considering adapting to quart size: Like our Fajita mix; veggie dip mix; beef stew mix, spaghetti sauce mix, and chili mix.
What is your favorite spice mix? If you can, share the recipe in the comments below. We’ll all love you 🙂
Fajita mix is a good one, and Italian Dressing mix
I love all your mixes, Angela! What a good idea to put them in jars – they’re currently hiding in baggies at my house. Thank you 🙂
On your Quart Ranch Dressing Mix you have two TBL as well as two tsp listed for black pepper. Just wanted to make sure which one to use. Thank you so much for all you connect and do.
Donna, It’s Tablespoons. It’s fixed :). Thanks for the head’s up.
Did you have a lasagna or pasta in a jar recipe? I have not been able to find that one and the Blessed Designs blog does not seem to be working.
Andrea, You can find those mix recipes here: http://groceryshrink.com/2011/02/emergecy-meal-mixes.html
Angela – we love the fajita mix that was used in one of your menus. I have ran out of it and can not find the recipe:( Can you include that recipe here or use it soon in one of your menus? Thanks for all you do!
Tonya, sure! I’ll work on that for the blog for Monday–though we are having fajitas this week in the menu too. I think a quart of this stuff would not be too much :).
Can’t wait to try the ranch mix- I tried one I found online a few weeks ago and it had way too much dill in it. I love the recipes for bulk mixes- that’s one reason I don’t make my own often, because most recipes are for 1 use. Thanks!
These look great. Thank you! I’d love to see your fajita, beef stew and spaghetti sauce mixes!
I can’t wait to do this! Thank you for sharing! I wouldn’t mind seeing dry recipes for beef stew, stroganoff, mesquite marinade, Italian dressing, or any other seasoning mixes really! Thanks again!
Madonna, thanks for leaving a comment! You have some great ideas for dry recipes. I’m putting it on my blog schedule.
I would love a spaghetti/Italian herb mix.. I currently buy one from Sam’s club that I love but now they quit selling it.. I am just starting an herb garden and I can’t wait to start making my own mixes..for now I am mixing what I have from the store but eventually I want to do it all from my garden! ;0) Thanks for all these great recipes I will def be trying them!
Thanks Wanda! I now have those recipes. Check out the updated list here: http://groceryshrink.com/mix-recipes
I didnt realize there was sugar in spice mixes, or is this something you added to take away the bite/bitterness?
The sugar balances the spicy or salty. Stevia will work instead, but mixes without a touch of sweet taste flat. Realize that you are using a tsp of sugar in your savory mixes where you’d be using a cup of sugar in a sweet mix.
I am so happy that I found you. I can’t wait to get busy making these mixes…
Yay! Welcome, Rose Marie!