Some years I’m able to be a little “crafty in the kitchen” during the holidays, and some years I’m wrapping all of the presents on Christmas Eve. There’s no rhyme or reason to it, it’s just me, and apparently how I do things. Typically, I have big plans and even will buy all the groceries in advance, but this year, I had more realistic expectations. I knew we had back-to-back weekends in Auburn, with Kyndal’s graduation, and then the selling/moving out of her condo, so I knew I had very little baking/crafting time. It’s interesting how our approach to holiday preparations can vary from year to year, isn’t it? Sometimes life throws so many things at us, like family events and moving, that it’s impossible to stick to our usual festive routines. It’s important to be flexible and realistic, embracing the fact that it’s okay to scale back and simplify our holiday plans during busy times. In the end, what truly matters is being present and enjoying the time with loved ones, regardless of whether we’ve crafted elaborate meals and decorations or simply picked up some last-minute gifts. The holiday spirit is about togetherness and joy, no matter how we choose to express it.
This year, I had a specific activity in mind, but I must confess that it didn’t quite translate as well in reality as it did in my head. It all began with my book club gathering. I had everything meticulously planned (in my head) and envisioned a fun and engaging activity: creating “to-go” spice kits. While the event proceeded fine and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves, I couldn’t help but reflect that perhaps it would have been better if I had made the spice kits and then shared them, rather than simply creating them as individual take-home items. It’s moments like these that remind me of the delicate balance between the idealized plans in our minds and the practical execution of those plans in real life.
Kyndal and I set up shop in the kitchen and made a bulk amount of 3 seasonings, Taco, Butt Rub (BBQ Seasoning), and Ranch. I started with a recipe, but then I made it my own. I feel like that’s the best way to do anything. First, I bought the following supplies: jars, labels, and spices. Technically I bought different labels, but they were too big, so use the link to buy the smaller ones for a better fit. Make sure to use the Avery website to create your own design. It provides many options to create something personal just for you. Next, I bought the spices. I was able to do a Sam’s pickup, but honestly, between the traffic and the wait, next time I’ll just order from Amazon. Amazon makes life so much easier. Here’s the list of spices: Red Pepper Flakes, Cayenne Red Pepper, Chili Powder, Garlic Powder, Smoked Paprika, (I bought Paprika instead), Cumin, Black Pepper, Parsley, Minced Onion, Oregano, Chives, Onion Powder, Basil, and Dill.
BBQ Seasoning aka Butt Rub
Recipe
- 1 cup onion powder
- 1 cup garlic powder
- 3/4 cup paprika (smoked paprika if you want)
- 3/4 cup cayenne pepper
- 1 cup seasoning salt
- 3/4 cup ground black pepper
- 3/4 cup oregano
- 3/4 cup thyme (I did not use this)
- 1/2 cup red pepper flakes (I added 1 cup)
Directions:
- Measure and Mix Ingredients: Measure all ingredients and mix together in a large bowl.
- Blend Mixture: If desired, measure the mixture into 5 cups and blend with a dry blender for 10 pulses. Repeat until all ingredients have been blended.
- Combine Blended Ingredients: Mix together all pulsed ingredients in a bowl.
- Fill Spice Jars: Using a funnel, pour the mixture into sanitized spice jars. Tap the bottom of the spice jar on the counter to pack in the seasonings, allowing you to add more to the jar.
- Storage: The spices will remain good for 6 months.
Enjoy your homemade spice blend!
If you are giving as a gift, clean the outside jar properly. Once it is completely dry, add the printed labels to the jar.
Jonathan’s Traditional Christmas Eve Brisket
Ranch Seasoning
Ingredients
- 1 cup fine sea salt
- 1/2 cup ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 cup garlic powder
- 1/2 cup onion powder
- 1 cup minced onion
- 1 1/2 cups dill weed
- 2 1/2 cups dried parsley leaf
- 1/2 cup dried chives
Directions:
- Measure and Mix Ingredients: Measure all ingredients and mix together in a large bowl.
- Blend Mixture: If desired, measure the mixture into 5 cups and blend with a dry blender for 10 pulses. Repeat until all ingredients have been blended.
- Combine Blended Ingredients: Mix together all pulsed ingredients in a bowl.
- Fill Spice Jars: Using a funnel, pour the mixture into sanitized spice jars. Tap the bottom of the spice jar on the counter to pack in the seasonings, allowing you to add more to the jar.
- Storage: The spices will remain good for 6 months.
Enjoy your homemade spice blend!
If you are giving as a gift, clean the outside jar properly. Once it is completely dry, add the printed labels to the jar.
Taco Seasoning
Ingredients
- 2 cups chili powder
- 1/3 cup garlic powder
- 1/3 cup onion powder
- 1/3 cup ground cumin
- 1/3 cup dried oregano
- 2/3 cup paprika
- 2/3 cup salt
- 2/3 cup black pepper
- 1/4 cup red pepper flakes
Directions:
- Measure and Mix Ingredients: Measure all ingredients and mix together in a large bowl.
- Blend Mixture: If desired, measure the mixture into 5 cups and blend with a dry blender for 10 pulses. Repeat until all ingredients have been blended.
- Combine Blended Ingredients: Mix together all pulsed ingredients in a bowl.
- Fill Spice Jars: Using a funnel, pour the mixture into sanitized spice jars. Tap the bottom of the spice jar on the counter to pack in the seasonings, allowing you to add more to the jar.
- Storage: The spices will remain good for 6 months.
Enjoy your homemade spice blend!
If you are giving as a gift, clean the outside jar properly. Once it is completely dry, add the printed labels to the jar.
A taco seasoning pack contains 2 T of seasoning mix.
Fish Rub
1 Tbsp garlic powder
1 Tbsp onion powder
1 Tbsp dried oregano
1 1/2 tsp thyme
1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
3/4 tsp cayenne
1 Tbsp sea salt
1 Tbsp black pepper
Mix together and store in a jar. Apply liberally to fish when cooking.
I’m going to add this one! We cook a lot of salmon!