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The flavor of many foods can be enhanced without using calorie-laden sauces and gravies. Here are some great ways to use herbs to “spice up” your meals and bring out the natural flavors of your food. Don’t be afraid to experiment—try small amounts of several seasonings to find the right combination.
Meat Seasoning Ideas
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To Season This...
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Try One of These...
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Poultry |
basil, cranberry sauce/relish, ginger, fresh mushrooms, marjoram, paprika, parsley, poultry seasoning, sage, summer savory, or thyme |
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Lamb |
curry powder, basil, garlic, mint, mint sauce/jelly, onion, oregano, parsley, pineapple rings, or rosemary |
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Pork |
apple juice, applesauce, garlic, marjoram, onion, sage, spiced apple, or spiced crabapple |
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Beef |
bay leaf, butter, chive, dry mustard, garlic, green pepper, marjoram, mushrooms, nutmeg, onion, pepper, sage, thyme, or tomato |
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Veal |
apricots, basil, bay leaf, currant jelly, curry, garlic, ginger, marjoram, mushrooms, oregano, pepper, spiced chervil, or summer savory |
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Fish |
basil, bay leaf, curry, dill, dry mustard, garlic, green pepper, lemon butter, lemon juice, marjoram, mushrooms, paprika, parsley, tarragon, thyme, or tomato |
Vegetable Seasoning Ideas
The flavor of any veggie can be enhanced by using bay leaf, dill seed, and vinegar. Or, try combining water, vinegar, and dry mustard to make your own healthy mustard spread.
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To Season This...
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Try One of These...
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Asparagus |
chives, herb butter, or lemon juice |
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Green Beans |
dill seed, chives, lemon juice, nutmeg, marjoram, onion, rosemary, or scallions |
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Broccoli |
lemon juice |
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Cabbage |
dill seed, or mustard dressing/paste |
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Cauliflower |
nutmeg |
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Corn |
chives, curry, onions, or parsley |
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Peas |
chervil, chives, fresh mushrooms, lemon juice, mint, onion, or parsley |
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Potatoes |
green peppers, mace, onion, or parsley |
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Squash |
allspice, basil, ginger, mace, or sautéed onion |
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Sweet Potatoes |
glaze of cinnamon/nutmeg, or escalope with apples & sugar |
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Tomatoes |
basil, chives, curry, marjoram, onions, parsley, or sugar |
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Green Peppers |
chives, curry, onions, or parsley |
Create Your Own Spice Shakers
Making your own herb combinations will save you time (and money) when making recipes. Plus, a homemade spice shaker with a handwritten label makes a wonderful holiday gift for your favorite cook! Try making your own blends (like a simple "Italian Blend" of basil and oregano), or use the suggestions below.
(Mix all ingredients well and place into a shaker with a secure lid.)
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Basic Spice Shaker
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Herb & Onion Blend
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Enhanced Seasoning
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1 Tbsp. ground marjoram
1 Tbsp. ground savory
1 Tbsp. ground thyme
1-1/2 tsp. ground basil
1-1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
1-1/2 tsp. ground oregano
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1/4 cup instant chopped onion
1 Tbsp. sweet basil
1 Tbsp. ground cumin
1 Tbsp. garlic powder
1 Tbsp. cracked black pepper
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1 tsp. crumbled thyme leaves
1 tsp. marjoram leaves
1 tsp. celery seed
1 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. curry powder
1/2 tsp. dried dill weed
2 Tbsp. paprika |
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