Add Flavors from Around the World in the Comfort of Your Kitchen

Have you ever wanted to taste certain flavors from around the world? Well, you can from the comfort of your own home! Herbs and spices are an easy and affordable way to add different flavors to your foods. You can turn ordinary dishes into something extra yummy and flavorful. The secret is to make homemade seasoning blends. No fancy equipment, cooking skills, or plane ticket needed! 

Why Make Your Own Herb and Spice Seasoning Blends? 

1. Save Money: Store-bought seasoning packets are more expensive and can get used up quickly.  Homemade seasoning blends can last for months!
2. Easy to Make and Store: Just mix the spices, store in a small jar or food container with an air-tight lid, and sprinkle on foods when cooking or at the table. 
3. Flavor it Your Way: Want to add a little extra spice or flavor to your meal? You can adjust the ingredients to make the flavor you prefer!
4. Add Variety to Your Meals: Your homemade seasoning can be added to fresh, canned, or frozen fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, or dairy. 
5. Enjoy with family and friends: You could ask family or friends to share spices with each other to save on cost. It’s also fun to create seasoning blends together! 

Make Your Starter Kit Today! 

Mix and match flavors to make your homemade seasoning blends. You just need a few basic dried herbs and spices that work in lots of recipes. 

10 Spices and Herbs for Your Starter Kit: 

1. Garlic Powder*
2. Onion Powder*
3. Paprika (smoked or regular)*
4. Black Pepper*
5. Cumin*
6. Chili Powder 
7. Ground Ginger 
8. Ground Turmeric 
9. Cinnamon 
10. Dried Oregano

*Budget Tip: Start with the basics - Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Black Pepper, and Cumin. These are common in many blends and are budget-friendly! 

How to Store Your Homemade Blends: 

• Keep in a cool, dry place (not near a stove or sink) 
• Use airtight containers or jars
• Always label with the seasoning name, the date made and expiration date 
• Shake before use 
• Plan to use within 6 months

How to Use the Homemade Seasonings with MyPlate 

• Vegetables: Sprinkle over roasted, steamed, or sauteed vegetables 
• Grains: Mix into rice, quinoa, and pasta dishes 
• Protein: Rub the seasoning on chicken, fish or tofu, or add to beans and lentils 
• Dairy: Stir into plain yogurt to make a dip

Whether you’re making vegetables, tacos or fajitas, stews, or dips, these herbs and spices can add more flavor and variety to your meals. You can even add others to your starter kit and explore more flavor blends from around the world. This could be just the beginning of your homemade seasoning adventure. Which flavors will you start adding today?

Taco Seasoning (makes about ¾ cup): 

• 1 Tablespoon black pepper
• 1 Tablespoon garlic powder 
• 1 Tablespoon onion powder 
• 1 Tablespoon dried oregano 
• 2 Tablespoons paprika 
• 2 Tablespoons cumin 
• 4 Tablespoons chili powder
• Optional: For fajita seasoning, make Taco Seasoning but reduce chili powder to 3 Tablespoons and increase black pepper to 2 tablespoons.

Mediterranean Blend (makes about ½ cup): 

• 1 Tablespoon black pepper 
• 2 Tablespoons garlic powder 
• 2 Tablespoons  OR 2 Tablespoons dried basil
• 4 Tablespoons dried oregano 
• Optional: add 1 Tablespoon cumin for a richer, more savory taste.

Golden Spice Blend (makes about ½ cup):

• 1 Tablespoon of black pepper 
• 2 Tablespoons of ground ginger 
• 2 Tablespoons cinnamon
• 4 Tablespoons ground turmeric 
• Optional: To create a Curry Spice Blend, make Golden Spice Blend and add 2 Tablespoons cumin, 1 Tablespoon garlic powder and 1 Tablespoon of onion powder, 1 Tablespoon of paprika, and reduce cinnamon to ½ Tablespoon. This will make about ¾ cup.

Warm Spice Blend (makes about 1 cup): 

• ½ Tablespoon cinnamon 
• 1 Tablespoon black pepper 
• 1 Tablespoon ground ginger 
• 1 Tablespoon garlic powder 
• 1 Tablespoon onion powder 
• 2 Tablespoons chili powder 
• 2 Tablespoons cumin 
• 2 Tablespoons ground turmeric 
• 4 Tablespoons smoked paprika

Cajun Seasoning (makes about ¾ cup): 

• 1 Tablespoon black pepper 
• 1 Tablespoon dried oregano 
• 1 Tablespoon chili powder 
• 2 Tablespoons garlic powder 
• 2 Tablespoons onion powder 
• 4 Tablespoons paprika
• Optional: Stir into Greek yogurt for a creamy Cajun dip