I have been a dabbler in seasoning blends for a number of years. Quite a bit moreso since going back to school and obtaining a Culinary Art degree.

Here’s an easy one to put together. It’s great on chicken, burgers, just about anywhere you would use salt. You’ll need a bowl with a lid for this, unless you plan to use it all in one go. Get your measuring spoons out and raid your spice rack!

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons salt - think kosher, table salt may be too powerful
• 1 tablespoon paprika - sweet, plain, sharp, smoked, whatever you prefer
• 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons dried oregano - regular will work, but find some Mexican to really make this go
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder - I used Ancho because I had a fresh jar of it. Lots of variety to choose from.

Just put each ingredient in that bowl as you measure it out. Put the lid on and give it a shake to mix things up and you are done.

If you think the kosher salt crystals are too large, you can pulse the mixture in a food processor for a few seconds to grind it up.

Bonus flavor tip: put everything except the salt and pepper in a skillet on medium heat and shake it around until things get fragrant. This will only take a half a minute or so. Then add it to the salt and pepper. CAUTION: If you are using a really strong chili powder, beware of breathing fumes from that bonus step.