As an artist, I find beauty in everyday objects, and that includes the simple things we use in our kitchens. One of my favorite DIY projects combines my love for craft and cooking: homemade garlic salt. This recipe, inspired by my experience at the Yosemite Chefs’ Holidays with Chef Kent Rathbun, is incredibly easy and elevates any dish with a touch of handcrafted flavor.
Why Homemade Garlic Salt?
You might be thinking, “Why go through the effort when I can buy garlic salt at the store?” The answer is simple: freshness and flavor. This homemade version uses only natural ingredients, allowing you to control the quality and taste. Plus, it makes a thoughtful and unique gift for the food lovers in your life.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 cup kosher salt (I love the texture and purity)
- 1/4 cup peeled garlic cloves (about 1 to 1 ½ heads of garlic)
- Optional: 1/4 cup (or more!) freshly ground black peppercorns
Robert Kline Art Tip: A garlic peeler tube makes quick work of peeling those cloves!
Let’s Get Crafting:
Making Plain Garlic Salt
- Prep Your Station: Preheat your oven to a low 180 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Blend the Garlic and Salt: In a food processor, combine the salt and garlic cloves. Pulse until finely minced and resembling moist sand.
- Time to Bake: Spread the mixture evenly on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for about an hour, or until dry and crisp. You should be able to break it apart easily.
- Back to the Blender: Once cooled, return the mixture to the food processor. Pulse a few times to achieve a fine, cornmeal-like consistency.
- Store and Enjoy: Transfer your homemade garlic salt to an airtight jar. Keep it away from moisture, and it should last for months!
Robert Kline Art Pro Tip: If your garlic salt starts to clump, simply pop it back in the food processor for a quick refresh!
Level Up: Seasoned Garlic Salt
Want to add an extra layer of flavor?
- Grind Your Pepper: I highly recommend freshly grinding black peppercorns for the most robust flavor. A dedicated spice grinder does the trick without affecting the flavor of your coffee.
- Mix and Match: Once you have your ground pepper, stir it into the plain garlic salt. You can also pulse it together in the food processor for a few seconds.
Robert Kline Art Flavor Experiment: Play with the salt-to-pepper ratio to find your perfect blend! I personally love a peppery kick, so I use equal parts salt and pepper.
Gifting Your Garlic Salt Creation
Presentation matters! Here are a few ideas to make your homemade garlic salt gift-ready:
- Shaker Bottles: Pour your garlic salt into small shaker bottles for easy sprinkling.
- Charming Mason Jars: These classic jars add a rustic touch.
- Airtight Spice Jars: I adore using clear spice jars with airtight lids. They keep the contents fresh and showcase the beautiful texture of the garlic salt.
Robert Kline Art Finishing Touch: Download and print our free labels! We offer different sizes and designs to personalize your gifts. Check out our chalkboard labels for a reusable and stylish option.
More Than Just a Seasoning
This homemade garlic salt is more than just a simple recipe; it’s a testament to the beauty of handmade creations. I encourage you to try it out and experience the difference firsthand. Your taste buds (and your loved ones) will thank you!
Don’t forget to share your creations and culinary adventures with us in the comments below! And for more unique and handmade gift ideas, be sure to explore the rest of the Robert Kline Art website.