Spice of Life Seasoning Blends
One tasty—and easy—way to use healthful herbs in cooking is with an herbal seasoning blend. Sprinkle powdered herb blends on salads and sandwiches and add them to bread dough, casseroles, pastas, soups and stir-fried vegetables. You can even create Italian, Chinese and Indian meals with a few shakes of an herbs blend.There are several variations on this theme. Here are some of my favorites. For the best herbs blend, start with high-quality dried herbs from your garden or buy whole or cut herbs; pre-ground herbs will have lost much of their flavor. It is very easy to grind your own herbs in a coffee grinder, blender, flour mill, mortar and pestle or whatever is convenient. Garlic and onion are exceptions—it is much easier to buy them in powdered form.
Herbal "Salt"
1 tablespoon each basil leaves, coriander seeds and thyme leaves
2 teaspoons each cumin seeds, onion powder, parsley leaves, whole sesame seeds (optional), garlic powder, mustard seeds, paprika pods, cayenne pods (optional) and kelp (optional)
Grind and combine herbs. Keep a small jar or saltshaker on the table. Store the excess in a jar with a tight lid.
Herbes Fines (All-Purpose Seasoning)
Equal parts chives leaves, chervil leaves, parsley leaves and tarragon leaves
Mince herbs with a sharp knife. Keep in a small jar alongside the rest of your spices. To use, add to food at the last minute. Store extra in the refrigerator in a jar with a tight lid.
Curry Powder
1 tablespoon each cumin seeds, coriander seeds and turmeric rhizomes
½ tablespoon each ginger rhizome and dried chili peppers
¼ tablespoon each black mustard seeds and fennel seeds
Grind ingredients into a powder and mix well. Store in a container with a tight lid. Add to recipes as needed.