Homemade spice mixes are convenient and economical. By making our own blends, we control the ingredients.
Buying ready-made spice blends can be risky for the gluten-intolerant because we don't know what extra gluten-contaminated ingredients might be in them. When we source pure spices, free from cross-contamination, we can be assured of the safety of our mixes.
Are spices safe?
Pure spices are free from gluten. Occasionally, spice mixes may be diluted with wheat flour or wheat starch to cut costs. More commonly, they might be contaminated during processing in a facility that also handles wheat ingredients. Contamination is more likely to occur in seasonings, or spice blends or mixes than in pure, single spices.
How to Choose Your Spices
The safest option for consuming gluten free spices is to choose individual herbs and spices from companies that can assure their purity. Then, combine these spices into your own mixes. You'll save money, too!
Be wary of purchasing spices from bulk containers that are open to the public. There is no guarantee that a scoop has not been dipped into something contaminated with gluten before using it in yours. Loose flour could be inadvertently dusted over the area and then fall into any of the other containers.
So, find a trusted source, choose some basic spices, and make your own mixes. The recipes linked to from here are good place to start.
Our Virus Isolation
My husband and I like to travel in our motorhome. Often, we spend weekends on the vacant lot where we plan to build our retirement home. He has just been laid off from his job as an economic casualty of the COVID-19 pandemic, so we are suddenly packing up the motorhome and heading up to our lot for our time of isolation. The snow is melting away here in Southern Ontario, and we hope it has disappeared enough at our Hideaway for us to drive the motorhome in.
As I pack up the motorhome and think about what food to bring, I'm appreciating the convenience of my premixed spice blends. I have a few favourite standby recipes. By mixing them up at home, I need to bring only two or three of them instead of emptying out my spice drawer.
Taco Seasoning
Of course, taco seasoning is great for tacos. I also like to use it for fajitas, taco salad, and any other Mexican-inspired dishes.
Everything Seasoning
Everything seasoning is awesome on bagels, eggs, and roasted vegetables. I love it on avocado toast!
Multi-Purpose Spice Mix
My multi-purpose spice mix is great for seasoning pot roast, steak, hamburgers, Ground Beef Skillet with Sweet Potatoes and Kale, and Sweet Potato Frittata.
Spice Mix Recipes
What is your favourite spice mix recipe? What do you like to make with Taco Seasoning, Everything Seasoning, or the Multi-Purpose Spice Mix? Let me know in the comments below, or tag @CathysGlutenFree on Instagram!
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