Learning About Using Cast Iron Cookware

Visit almost any grocery store's spice aisle and you will discover numerous seasoning blends that are recommended for various meats. There is nothing wrong with buying these mixtures. They can be a lifesaver when you're running short on time and don't want to have to think about which spices pair well together, or how much you should use. However, you can also create seasoning blends yourself from plain spices and other simple ingredients. Here are three such meat seasoning mixtures you can make at home. 

Coriander and Onion Seasoning — For Chicken and Poultry

This seasoning blend features lighter flavors, making it a good choice for chicken and other poultry. Coriander's warmth pairs really well with the sharpness of the onion. A hint of sugar encourages your meat to caramelize when you use a high-heat cooking method, like grilling. To make this seasoning blend, you need:

• 1/4 cup ground coriander
• 1/4 cup onion powder
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon white sugar

Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl and mix to combine. Store in a tightly sealed container. Use about 2 tablespoons per pound of meat.

Three-Pepper Spice Mixture — for Beef and Pork

This seasoning mixture has some spice to it, thanks to the use of three different dried peppers. It is a really good choice for both beef and pork. Try grilling meat that has been seasoned with this blend and then finishing it with a little sweet barbecue sauce for a nice, full-bodied flavor. You'll need:

• 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper
• 2 tablespoons dried ancho chile powder
• 2 tablespoons dried jalapenos
• 2 tablespoons dried paprika
• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Mix all of these ingredients together. Make sure you are gentle so that the spices don't "fluff" and cause you to inhale them. Store in a tightly sealed container, and use about 1 tablespoon per pound of meat.

Herb and Garlic Seasoning — for Various Meats and Fish

This light seasoning is delicious on fish and chicken, and it can be a good choice for thinner cutlets of beef and pork, too. You'll need:

• 1 tablespoon dried marjoram
• 1 tablespoon dill weed
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
• 2 tablespoons onion powder
• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt

Mix everything together, and store in a tightly sealed container. Use about 2 tablespoons per pound of fish or meat.

These three seasoning blends may take a bit of time to prepare, but they're worth having on-hand. Enjoy!