Gifts from your kitchen don’t need to be baked, iced, or chocolate dipped. For the non-baker, the time-pinched, or anyone looking for something different to include in a holiday gift bag, these spice blends are lots of fun. I pack them in test tubes with cork toppers. Each one holds just enough to feel generous and each recipe fills eight 13 ml test tubes plus a little to use in your own kitchen.
The herb salt is my every day sprinkle. On roasted vegetables, omelets, today’s reheated lunch. It’s a little lift. The taco seasoning is all you need to spice up black or pinto beans, shredded leftover chicken, or roasted, pulled mushrooms. Taco night in a snap. The celery salt is new this year. It makes a stunning rim for a Bloody Mary and I have it on good authority that it added ideal celery flavor to a turkey pot pie.
To ensure a uniform sprinkle, whir in a spice grinder, but only if you want to. It’s not necessary.
Smoked Herb Salt (Everyday Sprinkle)
4 tablespoons sea salt or kosher salt (Diamond Crystal)
4 tablespoons smoked salt (I used Maldon)
3 tablespoons dried parsley
2 tablespoons dried basil
1 tablespoons dried rosemary
2 teaspoons ground pepper
2 teaspoons dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried sage
2 teaspoons onion powder
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Spicy Taco Seasoning
4 tablespoons chipotle powder
1 tablespoon sea salt or kosher salt (Diamond Crystal)
1 tablespoon ground cumin
3 teaspoons sweet paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon Mexican oregano or marjoram
Celery Salt
1/3 cup dried, crumbled celery leaves from about 2 cups fresh celery leaves, packed
1/3 cup sea salt or kosher salt (Diamond Crystal)
