Make Your Own Blends...

I started mixing my own blends a few years ago. You can get as creative as you want, with a little mix and matching you can make your own special blends that suit your tastes. Here are a few of my favorites but the options are endless. These blends are great to quickly and easily add a ton of flavor to any dish. I put the Rustic Rub on fish, broil a few minutes and you have an instant flavorful fish now all you have to worry about are the sides.

SEASONED SALT

2 TBSP salt
2 tsp sugar
2 tsp paprika
1 tsp herbs de provence
1/4 tsp turmeric
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp cornstarch
(optional add additional 1 TBSP of either pepper, chili powder, marjoram, or curry powder)

Mix all ingredients in a small bowl and combine well. Pour into a spice jar and you are ready to go.

ZESTY LIME PEPPER

1/2 cup freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons dried lemon zest*
2 tablespoons dried onion powder
2 tablespoons dried thyme leaves

Mix all ingredients in a small bowl and combine well. Pour into a spice jar and voilá.

(* I dry my own lime zest, it is much fresher and tastier. Here's how: Zest about 3 medium limes to equal the 3 TBSP needed. Place a paper towel on a microwave safe plate and microwave for about 2 minutes, it is easy to burn so after the 2 minutes keep a close eye on it and increase by 20 seconds until it feels crisp and dried out.)

RUSTIC RUB

1 1/2 TBSP salt
1 1/2 TBSP dark brown sugar
1 TBSP paprika
1 TBSP ground, dried hibiscus flower or tea leaves*
2 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp mustard powder
1 1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp ground coriander
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp dried thyme

Mix all ingredients in a small bowl and combine well. Pour into a spice jar and your done.
* hibiscus tea (or flor de jamaica) is an infusion that has many medicinal purposes, it is tart like cranberries and adds delicious flavor to foods. If not easily found in your area you can substitute loose green tea leaves. Flor de Jamaica is a great natural laxative, is said to lower blood pressure and tastes really good.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hibiscus_tea