1. Taco seasoning jar
Who it is for: Anyone who cooks ground beef, chicken or beans on busy nights.
The blend and the label: Mix 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 tablespoon cumin, 2 teaspoons paprika, 1 teaspoon each garlic powder, onion powder, oregano and salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper and a pinch of cayenne. Label: "Taco night: about 2 tablespoons per pound of meat, plus a splash of water."
2. Ranch dip mix jar
Who it is for: Hosts, game-day crowds and anyone who loves dip.
The blend and the label: Mix 2 tablespoons dried parsley, 1 tablespoon each dried dill, garlic powder and onion powder, 2 teaspoons dried chives, 1 teaspoon pepper and 1 teaspoon salt. Label: "Ranch dip: stir about 1 tablespoon into 1 cup of sour cream or plain yogurt."
3. Italian herb blend jar
Who it is for: Pasta lovers and anyone who roasts vegetables.
The blend and the label: Mix 1 tablespoon each dried oregano, basil and thyme, 2 teaspoons dried parsley, 1 teaspoon garlic powder and, if you like heat, 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Label: "Italian herbs: sauces, dressings, roasted vegetables, bread dip."
4. Pumpkin pie spice jar
Who it is for: Bakers, coffee drinkers and anyone who makes pie or pancakes.
The blend and the label: Mix 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon, 2 teaspoons ground ginger, 1 1/2 teaspoons ground nutmeg, 1 teaspoon ground allspice and 1 teaspoon ground cloves. Label: "Pumpkin pie spice: use it one for one in any recipe that asks for it."
5. Cajun seasoning jar
Who it is for: Friends who like a little heat on chicken, shrimp and potatoes.
The blend and the label: Use the blend from our homemade cajun seasoning guide and write the heat level on the label so the person knows how much cayenne is in it.
6. Write a label people can use
Who it is for: A jar with no instructions ends up at the back of the cabinet.
The blend and the label: Put four things on the label: the name of the blend, a one-line "how to use it", the ingredients (helpful for allergies) and the date you made it. A tag tied on with string works if you do not have labels.
7. Fill and seal the jar properly
Who it is for: Damp jars and warm spots make blends clump and fade.
The blend and the label: Start with a clean, completely dry jar and a dry spoon or funnel. Fill it, close the lid tightly and tell the person to keep it away from the stove and sunlight. Make small batches that will be used up.
8. Turn one jar into a gift set
Who it is for: A single jar can feel small.
The blend and the label: Pair it with something that uses it: a wooden spoon, a small bowl, a recipe card or a link to the dish. Two or three different jars in a bag or box make an easy gift for neighbors and coworkers.
Recipes that use these tips
Blends, recipes and ideas to go with your gift jars:
- Homemade seasoning mixes: amounts for the pumpkin pie spice, taco, ranch and Italian blends.
- Homemade cajun seasoning: a hotter blend for the cajun jar.
- 5 spicy rubs to mix at home: more blends to gift for grilling.
- Ground beef tacos: a recipe card to pair with the taco jar.
- Pantry swaps: for the person who runs out of an ingredient.