DIY or Buy: 7 Spice Blends That Pack Flavor In and Save Money
When you look in your spice cabinet, you probably see a lot of miscellaneous, barely used bottles. Instead of just letting them sit around and expire — because most do within a year — try blending a few of them up for delicious DIY spice blends. Whether it's taking the everything spices from your bagel and putting them on, well, everything, or making a homemade chai for a fraction of the price of one at your local coffee shop, we've got you covered.
Check out seven spice blend recipes below, from sweet to savory and back again.
Alice Gao, 2014, Cooking Channel, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Once you've mastered a chai tea latte at home, you'll never need to buy one at the coffee shop again. You can also use these flavors to spruce up coconut macaroons or a milk shake.
Armando Rafael Moutela,  2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved  2014, Cooking Channel, LLC All Rights Reserved
You can use this Everything Bagel Spice for anything and everything you want, whether it's making homemade bagels, crusting fish or chicken, baking breaksticks or topping a baked potato. The possibilities are endless — just remember to brush your teeth afterward.
Armando Rafael Moutela,  2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved  2014, Cooking Channel, LLC All Rights Reserved
Pastrami Spice doesn't have to be just for brisket anymore. You can give the signature deli flavor to chicken, smoked salmon or even grilled vegetables.
Armando Rafael Moutela,  2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved  2014, Cooking Channel, LLC All Rights Reserved
Put down the packet and make your own ranch dressing mix. Our version is spicy, thanks to some cayenne pepper, but you can omit it if you're making a kid-friendly version. Add the blend to sour cream for an easy dip, sprinkle it on vegetables or shake it up with some mayonnaise, vinegar and yogurt for an easy salad dressing.
You know you have at least one or two bottles of this stuff in your cabinet, but you don't need to get it premixed. Just put together ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon and allspice whenever your recipe calls for Pumpkin Pie Spice. It can be used in everything from classic pumpkin pie to cookies and cakes.
Make your favorite Indian takeout at home with tandoori spice. It is best on chicken, but can also be used to flavor lobster or lamb.
Kick up the flavor of any dish with Cajun Spice. We love it on all kinds of meat — especially blackened steak — but it is also great in fried pickles and shrimp kebobs.