DIY Herb Mixes

Don't have a mix on hand? See if you can improvise with the herbs you have on-hand using these guides...

Old Bay Seasoning
1 T celery seed
1 T whole black peppercorn
6 bay leaves
1/2 t whole cardamom pod
1/2 t mustard seeds
4 whole cloves
1 t sweet Hungarian paprika
1/4 t mace

Curry Powder (blend of spices; create your own by mixing and matching as desired.) Fenugreek seeds (almost always included)—a sweet, yellow seed to be used with cautionCaraway seeds (optional)—strong anise flavor
Fennel seeds' (optional)—weaker licorice flavor than anise, slightly sweetCinnamon (optional)—sweet and flavorful
Cumin—strong, earthy aroma important to the overall flavor of the curry powderPepper, red or white—white pepper is made from the same plant as black pepper but has a milder flavor; red pepper is made from dried chili peppers
Cardamom (optional)—expensive member of the ginger family with a sweet, flowery aroma
Coriander seeds—lightly sweet with hints of citrus and mint
Turmeric—brightly yellow with an earthy bitternessGinger (optional)—sweet and spicy, best to use fresh
Cloves (optional)—strong, distinct flavor; to be used in small amountsMace (optional)—made from same plant as nutmeg with lighter flavor
HINTS
Toast spices for extra flavor.
Husk cardamom pods to get the seeds.
Coriander, cumin, turmeric, and fenugreek form a base.
Add pepper or ginger for extra kick.
Create a bright yellow color with turmeric.

Creole Seasoning Mix
•4 tsp. salt
•1 tsp. paprika
•1 Tbsp. garlic powder
•2 tsp. pepper
•1 tsp. white pepper
•2 tsp. onion powder
•1 tsp. dried thyme leaves
•1 tsp. dried marjoram leaves
•1 tsp. dried oregano leaves
•1 tsp. cayenne pepper
•1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

Taco Seasoning Mix
•1/4 cup instant minced onion
•2 Tbsp. chili powder
•2 tsp. paprika
•2 tsp. crushed dried red pepper flakes
•1-1/2 tsp. dried oregano
•1/2 tsp. dried marjoram
•1 Tbsp. salt
•1/4 tsp. pepper
•2 Tbsp. cornstarch
•1 Tbsp. instant minced garlic
•1 tsp. ground cumin

Italian Seasoning
•1/3 cup dried oregano leaves
•1 Tbsp. garlic powder
•2 tsp. onion salt
•1/3 cup dried basil leaves
•2 Tbsp. rosemary leaves, ground down to 1 tsp.
•1/4 cup dried thyme leaves

Greek Seasoning
•1/4 cup dried oregano leaves
•2 tablespoons fennel seeds
•2 tablespoons dried crushed lemon grass
•2 tablespoons onion
•2 tablespoons garlic
•1 teaspoon black pepper
•1/2 teaspoon salt

Pumpkin Pie Spice Mix
•1 Tbsp. cinnamon
•1-1/2 tsp. ground ginger
•1/2 tsp. ground cloves
•1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
•1/8 tsp. salt

Seasoned Salt
•3/4 cup salt
•1/4 cup garlic salt
•1/2 tsp. pepper
•1/2 tsp. white pepper
•1/2 tsp. dried marjoram leaves
•1 tsp. paprika
•1/8 tsp. celery seed
•1/4 tsp. dry mustard powder

No-Salt Seasoned Salt
•1 Tbsp. garlic powder
•2 tsp. dried thyme leaves
•2 tsp. onion powder
•2 tsp. paprika
•2 tsp. celery seed
•1-1/2 tsp. ground white pepper
•1 Tbsp. dry mustard powder
•2 tsp. dried finely chopped lemon peel
•1 tsp. pepper

Herbs de Provence

•2 T savory

•2 T rosemary

•2 T thyme

•2 T oregano

•2 T basil

•2 T marjoram

•2 T fennel seed
•1 T lavender
(compare to: basil, rosemary, thyme, parsley, marjoram, lavender flowers, fennel seed, and tarragon)

Flavor your own meat like sausage (kinds vary, esp by country, but this is avg)

1 1/2 tsp. salt
3 1/2 tsp. paprika
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. fennel
1 tsp. black pepper
1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes (optional)

most Mixes from http://busycooks.about.com/library/recipes/blspicemix.htm