Monday, October 13, 2014

Homemade Taco Seasoning


All right y'all, this recipe is just for me.

You see, I don't like to buy taco seasoning. I don't see the point when I keep all the ingredients on hand. I have a go-to recipe I use for taco seasoning, but I've adapted it. Between scouring the internet for the recipe I use and trying to remember the measurements I like, I finally decided I needed to write down my adaptation in one place, so I don't have to do all this work every time I need taco seasoning. So here we are.

I was reading this article on The Prairie Homestead, and it really got me thinking about what I buy vs. what I make homemade. It's amazing to me what kind of convenience items we buy at the store. It amazes me what convenience items I buy at the store. I make a lot of stuff homemade, but there are certain products that I buy and keep on hand. Almond milk. Tortillas. Dried pasta. You know the drill. All items I could make, but are just so easy to pick up. Seasoning mixes don't happen to be one of those convenience items I purchase. I make my own steak rub, my own pumpkin pie spice, and my own taco seasoning. Making your own seasoning is awesome. What if you hate how much chili powder they put in those packets, and you want more cumin flavor? Alter the recipe. Want it less spicy? Skip the crushed red pepper. Does garlic make your world go round? Throw more in there! I personally like the flavor of cumin to really punch through, and I like my seasoning spicy. Caliente! That's the beauty of creating your own- the power to tinker. Plus, what's in those little taco seasoning packets? You know, besides the spices. What chemicals and preservatives are in there?


There's so much information out there these days when it comes to food choices. I find a lot of it educational and useful, but at the same time, there seem to be a lot of articles trying to shame people for their food choices. In a perfect world, we'd all eat more fruits and veggies than steaks, we'd throw those TV dinners in the trash, and we'd all eat organic. It's just not plausible. As I stumble my way through the sheer volume of information out there involving food, it's hard to keep straight what's good and what's not. You can find articles out there denouncing genetically modified produce and at the same time, you can find articles extolling their benefits. Articles praising veganism, and on the other hand, articles claiming it's not a balanced diet. Why you should eat meat. Why you shouldn't eat meat. Wheat causes all kinds of health problems. Wheat sensitivity is all in our heads. I think I'd go crazy if I tried to literally live by all these opinions. What I do know is that I take it all with a grain of salt. I've come to realize I'll never be perfect, and neither will my diet. I do try to eat clean the majority of the time, I allow myself as much fruit and vegetables every day as my heart desires. I try to limit the processed stuff, but it's just not feasible for me to make fresh mayonnaise everyday. Or to completely steer clear of Cheetos Puffs. However, taco seasoning is easy to make and keeps for a looooong time. I made a small mason jar that will probably last me for years

Ok friends, I'll admit taco seasoning might not make for the most fascinating blogging. I do suggest putting this recipe back though, you never know when it might come in handy. Perhaps on taco night when you were 100% certain you had taco mix, only to discover -uh oh- you don't! This could definitely come in handy :)



Ingredients:

3 tbsp chili powder
2 tbsp cumin
3 tsp sea salt
3 tsp black pepper
2 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp onion powder
2 tsp paprika
2 tsp Mexican oregano (you can use regular)
1 tsp crushed red pepper

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a small mason jar. Shake to combine. Store in an airtight container.


Recipe adapted from Allrecipes.


Looking for other easy recipes for items you might normally pick up at the grocery store? Try these!







4 comments:

  1. Making your own seasonings is so much better. You get to control everything about it. ~ Catherine

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    1. Yes, that is why I love homemade. I've found that I like my pumpkin pie spice a little more cinnamon-y than store bought as well. Something I can accomplish at home! :)

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  2. Once I started making my own taco seasoning, I never bought store bought again. So much better!

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    Replies
    1. Yeah, I'll never go back to store bought. Homemade is so much better! :)

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