I used to buy an occasional packet of taco seasoning mix to make a platter of taco dip or a random taco. Taco dip is so simple, it’s sick. And, you don’t even need all the fun toppings! Just mix a packet with 8 ounces of cream cheese and 8 ounces of sour cream and BOOM….done! I usually keep one or two packets on hand in the pantry “just in case” I needed to whip something up quick. But, you know how it goes – you think you’re stocked, until you’re not.
As Murphy’s Law would have it, I waited until the last minute to whip up a potluck pass-around for work, and found I was out. Drat those potluck signups where you have to actually commit to bring something specific! As I dashed off to the grocery store in my ripped sweatshirt, and sweatpants I’d worn while staining our deck, I thought…for Pete’s Sake…there’s no reason why you can’t make this on your own and save yourself some humiliation! Thank the good Lord I didn’t see anyone I knew!
But after that fiasco, I thought it best for all of mankind that I figure out how to make my own. I went digging on my spice shelf (yes I have a shelf, not just a drawer!) to see what I could find. So here it is, my Always Handy Warm Chili Seasoning. Keep in mind that I tend to be oversensitive to spicy foods thanks to my friend, Ms. Menopause. While this seasoning blend has a lot of flavor, it doesn’t really have a lot of “heat.” Feel free to increase the red pepper should you feel the need to break a sweat.
Always Handy Warm Chili Seasoning
Ingredients
- 4 T chili powder
- 2 tsp paprika
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 3 tsp ground cumin
- 2 T salt
- 1 tsp smoked or Hungarian paprika* optional
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper optional (more/less to your spicy taste)
Instructions
- Measure all ingredients into a small jar or air-tight container, and shake well. Store in cool, dry cabinet. Remember, there are no preservatives or anti-clumping ingredients. Shake the container occasionally to prevent clumping.
Notes
- Hungarian paprika can be a bit spicy, depending on the blend. It’s typically made with a blend of peppers, sweet red peppers being the base. If you find one you love, this is a great alternative to straight-up cayenne pepper.
- Smoked paprika has a wonderful, smoky-earthy flavor to it. I love it, but be careful when you use it so the smoke flavor doesn’t overpower what you’re making.
- Many taco seasoning recipes call for oregano. I frankly don’t care for it. The herby flavor throws me off for some reason. If you prefer it in, add 1 tsp to the above.
