Spice It Up: Three Herb and Spice Mixes for Giving

I love making homemade or handmade gifts for friends and family, especially during the holidays. It's even better if the gifts are useful in some way—and what could be more useful than food? Here are three herb/spice mixes that just need to be stirred together and spooned into jars. Attach a label to each, and they're ready to go :-)

A little something for you!

Scarborough Fair Herb Mix: Combine equal parts dried parsley, sage, rosemary and (you guessed it) thyme. Particularly good with poultry, fish, and root vegetables.

Game Night Spice Mix: Combine equal parts ground ginger, allspice, cinnamon and black pepper. Use to season dark meats like duck, bison, and venison. Add a few pinches to creamy sauces, soups and stews, dark leafy greens, or custard-based dishes like quiches and baked omelets.

Chai Spice Mix: Combine two parts ground ginger, one part ground cinnamon, a half part ground cardamom and a quarter part ground cloves. Add a teaspoon or so to the dry ingredients of baked goods like muffins, cakes, and cookies, or sprinkle on Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey.

Notes: Any (or all) of these would work particularly well as a host/hostess gift, stocking-stuffer, or included in a basket of goodies for your favorite foodie. I like to use (or reuse) 3-4 oz. jars with tight-fitting lids, and include ideas for how to use the mix right on the label. Even though these are a lot of fun to give away, be sure to save some for yourself as well!

>o<