Homemade Italian Seasoning Mix

I’ve recently started making my own herb mixes, as the premade items are expensive at the store, and often include salt. I would rather add my own salt to taste, and I find making my own mix is fun and it gives me more freedom with flavors. Its easy, too! I recommend making the seasoning mix in a small bowl the first time before putting into an empty leftover spice container so you can create your seasoning to taste. Keep a piece of paper handy – simply write down the ingredients you added, and keep it somewhere on hand. The next time you make the seasoning mix, add the ingredients to the empty spice container and shake to combine. It couldn’t be any easier!

This week I decided to make a basic Italian Seasoning mix, leaving out what some would consider integral ingredients (sage, thyme).  I wanted to be able to use it for different uses, so I kept it simple and I’ll add other herbs as I see fit depending on the recipe.

Homemade Italian Seasoning

1 tablespoon dried basil (from my mom’s garden)

1 tablespoon marjoram

1 tablespoon garlic powder (trying to get use out of a grungy old container)

1 tablespoon oregano

1 tablespoon parsley

1. Add each ingredient, stir to combine.

2. Transfer to an empty spice container. And you're done!

Weekly Start

J & I always start our week on Sunday. Its nice to start off on a leisurely foot, preparing for the busy week ahead. Generally we go for a walk (good weather or bad), get some groceries, and prep meals for the week.  I'm lucky because for as much as I love cooking, and as big of a mess I make in the kitchen, he is such a trooper and always helps me clean up and does all the dishes. Its a good system and we both end up happy and well fed.

Yesterday I made a recipe for the second time with food I always have in the kitchen. It's simple and easy and by tomorrow's good morning light I will take a quick picture of the finished product.

Spicy Italian Sausage and Red Pepper Stew

Ingredients

1/2 lb spicy italian sausage (without casings)

1 medium onion, diced

1 bag frozen bell peppers (or fresh if you have the patience, sliced)

2 carrots, diced

2 stalks of celery, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 16oz can tomato sauce

1 tablespoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes

pinch of dried majoram

salt and pepper to taste

1. In a heavy bottom pot, brown the Italian sausage on medium heat. Once browned, drain the sausage on a plate covered with paper towels.  Remove the majority of the fat from the pan and pat the sausage of the remainder of the fat.

2. On medium heat in the same pan, brown the diced onion, for about 5 minutes.  Add the carrots, celery, garlic and bell pepper and cook for another 5 minutes.

3. Add the dried herbs and salt and pepper to taste.

4. Add in the can of tomato sauce. Here I generally fill the can with water to get the remaining tomato sauce out of the can and add it to the stew. Reduce heat to a simmer and allow for the stew to cook for 15-20 minutes.

5. Divide into 4-6 servings depending on your (or your partner/husband/roommates) appetite.

Bulking up a stew with lots of vegetables is the easiest way to get more bang for your buck. I often buy the bag of frozen bell peppers to add to soups and stews, as I love the flavor and find these are the least expensive this way. And lets be honest, everyone is on a budget these days.  Soon I'll post how I plan my meals...for my future self to look back upon when I need inspiration to stay organized. Anyone have any good meal planning tips?