Mixes

Those packets you purchase at the grocery store sometimes have additives like MSG and extra sodium or thickening chemicals. Yuck. Plus, they're way over-priced when they charge at least $.50 (but usually more) for a few tablespoons of spices, for crying out loud! Try the "recipes" below instead next time. Tweak them according to your taste. I've used both of them and they're great! The chili was a little too "hot" for our liking, so I'll probably dial down the red pepper and/or the cumin in that one next time. They're super yummy and now you'll know *exactly* what is going into your chili or tacos that makes them taste so good! :)

Chili Seasoning Mix:

• 1/4 C all-purpose flour
• 4 tsp chili powder
• 1 T crushed red pepper
• 1 T dried minced onion
• 1 T dried, minced garlic
• 2 tsp white sugar
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp dried parsley
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper

Taco Seasoning Mix:

• 1 T chili powder
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/4 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp black pepper

For each mix, use approximately 3 T per pound of meat (although the taco mix only makes about 3 T, so you'll use all of it).

Next time you go to purchase one of those little packets at the store, see if you can't find a "recipe" online for the same thing withOUT unnecessary additives. It's worth 5 minutes of your time, don't you think? :)

Happy cooking!!

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