Everyday Seasoning Salt

Combine all ingredients and store in an airtight container, in a cool dark place for up to 6 months.

Making this up yourself is not only easy, but it's a fraction of the price of store-bought spice blends!

Uses This is an everyday seasoning that goes with almost everything savory--no spices or herbs to slant it toward one type of cuisine or another. I use this so often I make it up in large batches. As with all seasoning and spice blends, you may reduce the amount of pepper if you prefer a milder flavor.

This everyday seasoning salt can also be used as a flavor enhancer on already cooked food. Sprinkle some on freshly cooked vegetables, a steak, rice, salad, cottage cheese or whatever you choose. The uses are endless use it before, during, and after cooking to add great flavor with little effort!

Storing As with all the seasoning blends I will write about (this is the first of six), these do not contain any "anti-caking" agents so the seasonings may tend to stick together. To help prevent this keep the spices in a tightly capped jar or zip-style bag in a cool, dark place, or store in the refrigerator. Never keep your spices (or herbs) on a shelf above your stove, or close to your stove. The heat and moisture will cause the flavor to dissipate, and spices will tend to "clump" even quicker.

While a cool, dark pantry will help keep the seasonings free flowing and fresh, if clumping does occur, simply shake the seasoning aggressively and/or bang container on countertop. For those times when simply shaking the container does not work, remove the cap and use a spoon or fork to stir and break up the seasoning. Warm, humid temperatures tend to accelerate the clumping affect of the all-natural ingredients.

Bonus Tip: Make up this spice blend in large batches, transfer to attractive jars and place jars in a basket, and give as gifts. So easy, inexpensive, and always appreciated. I will be presenting a total of six different spice blends for about.com. Making up all the blends, and putting one of each in a basket with a label makes a wonderful gift that your friends will enjoy all year. And this "gourmet variety" of spices will cost less that a bottle of wine or a bunch of flowers! The six blends will all be on about.com in plenty of time for holiday gift-making.