The holidays are a time for sharing, warmth, and of course, thoughtful gifts. This year, skip the generic store-bought presents and surprise your loved ones with a gift from the heart—and the kitchen! These homemade spice blend jars are incredibly easy to assemble, budget-friendly, and perfect for the foodie friends and family in your life. Plus, who can resist a beautifully packaged jar of aromatic spices, ready to add a burst of flavor to any dish?
Why Homemade Spice Blends Make the Perfect Gift
Let’s face it, everyone has that one kitchen drawer overflowing with spices, many of which haven’t seen the light of day since their purchase. Homemade spice blends offer a refreshing alternative! Here’s why they make such special gifts:
- Uniquely Personal: You’re not just giving a jar of spices; you’re gifting a culinary experience. It shows you care enough to put thought and effort into a homemade present.
- Budget-Friendly: Let’s be honest, the holidays can be tough on the wallet. These spice blends are made from readily available ingredients, making them easy on the pocketbook.
- Practical & Versatile: A well-crafted spice blend can elevate any dish from simple to sensational! Include a favorite recipe featuring the blend to further inspire your recipient.
Crafting Your Spice Blend Masterpieces
Ready to unleash your inner culinary artist? Here’s a simple and delicious 10-spice blend recipe to get you started. It’s inspired by my personal favorite, the “10-Spice Vegetable Soup with Cashew Cream” (find it on page 137 of The Oh She Glows Cookbook!).
Ingredients:
- 2 cups smoked paprika
- 1 cup garlic powder
- 1 cup dried oregano
- 1 cup onion powder
- 1 cup dried basil
- 2/3 cup dried thyme
- 1/2 cup ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup white pepper (optional)
- 1/2 cup fine sea salt
- 1/3 cup cayenne pepper
Instructions:
- Gather Your Supplies: Grab 8-9 glass jars (3/4 cup capacity), a large mixing bowl (a really big one!), a whisk, a funnel, and some festive ribbon and tags.
- Combine the Spices: Pour all the spices into your mixing bowl. And remember, the bigger the bowl, the better! Trust me on this one – you don’t want to end up with a paprika explosion in your kitchen (ahem, speaking from experience!). Whisk everything together until completely combined.
- Jar Up the Goodness: Use the funnel to easily fill each jar with your vibrant spice blend.
- Add a Personal Touch: Secure the lids and adorn each jar with a festive ribbon and tag. For an extra special touch, handwrite a favorite recipe featuring the blend on a card to tie around the jar.
Tips for Spice Blend Success
- Spice Sourcing: For the freshest, most flavorful spices, seek out a local bulk food store. You’ll save money and reduce unnecessary packaging waste.
- Jar Hunting: No need to break the bank on fancy jars! Dollar stores often have great deals on small glass jars perfect for spice blends.
- Safety First: Remember my sister Kerrie’s sage advice: “Do NOT touch your face when using the CAYENNE pepper!!!!” Wear gloves if you’re sensitive to spice, and keep a damp cloth nearby for any accidental touches.
- Get Creative: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavor combinations! Try a Moroccan-inspired blend with cumin, coriander, and cinnamon, or a zesty citrus blend with lemon peel, ginger, and black pepper.
Conclusion
This holiday season, ditch the mass-produced presents and give the gift of homemade flavor with these charming spice blend jars. They’re a thoughtful, budget-friendly, and delicious way to show your loved ones you care.
Don’t forget to share your spice blend creations with me! Tag your photos with #RobertKlineArt, and who knows, your masterpiece might just be featured on my website! Happy crafting!