Homemade Taco Seasoning

I found this taco seasoning on Pinterest. I love how simple it is, using ingredients I always have on-hand. Definitely recommend this over store-bought packets. I would recommend doubling, or even tripling the recipe. Recipe and photo courtesy of thehumbledhomemaker.com.

  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • dash of cayenne

Combine all ingredients until well mixed.  Keep in a mason jar, or airtight container. The recipe as is is 3 tablespoons, or 1 equivalent packet of store bought seasoning.

Salmon Marinade

Once again, this marinade came from Pinterest, more specifically, thecozyapron.com  I’m not a huge fish fan, so this marinade was perfect for me because it gave the fish a great flavor that would go well with almost any kind of fish.

  • 2 garlic cloves, pressed with a garlic press
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

In a small dish, combine the ingredients and whisk to combine.  Then brush over your fish and let marinade for 35 minutes.  This quantity will cover 4 thicker cut salmon filets, or I brushed it over a two pound slab of salmon.  Whatever floats your boat.  After it is marinaded, broil on high for 8-9 minutes, or until moist and flaky.  Serve with rice or choice of vegetable.

Thanksgiving Turkey Brine

Another Pioneer Woman hit. This made our turkey the most moist I’ve ever had on Thanksgiving. The quantities I’ve entered are for a 10-12 lb. turkey. Just double if you have a bigger one than that.

  • 1 1⁄2 cups apple juice or cider
  • 1  gallon cold water
  • 2  tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves
  • 2 1⁄2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3⁄4 cup kosher salt
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 1⁄2 tablespoons whole peppercorns
  • 2-3 whole bay leaves
  • peel of 2 small oranges

Combine all ingredients in a large pot. Stir until salt and sugar dissolve. Bring to a boil, then turn off heat and cover. Allow to cool completely, (you can stick it in the freezer to help speed up the process if necessary) then pour into a large brining bag or pot. Place uncooked turkey in brine solution, then refrigerate for 16-24 hours. When ready to roast turkey, remove from brine and completely rinse the turkey to get all the excess salt from the outside. Discard brine, pat dry, and cook according to your normal roasting method.