Dry Rub for Chicken

Cook’s notes: Adapted from the book Cheater BBQ. This is my favorite spice mix for chicken.

Mix the following ingredients thoroughly. Use 6 tsp of rub mix for each whole chicken:

1/4 cup paprika (1 oz bag)
2 Tablespoons salt (coarse cooking salt)
2 Tablespoons black pepper
1 Tablespoon garlic powder
1 Tablespoon cumin powder

Makes at least half cup of spice mix, enough for at least three chickens.

Cinnamon Sugar

Cook’s notes: Today’s recipe is super simple: blend 1/2 cup white sugar and 2 Tablespoons cinnamon powder.

I woke up craving cinnamon toast, and this recipe on Chow had the right proportions. I use Penzeys Cinnamon, a blend of 4 types of cinnamon, because I like a strong cinnamon flavor. I’ve already used the cinnamon sugar mixture on toast and sprinkled over cottage cheese with dried cherries. It would also be good on applesauce, rice pudding, or cappuccino.

Italian Dressing and Herb Mix

1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (may need additional 1 oz vinegar)
1 Tbsp sugar
1 Tbsp minced garlic
2 tsp mustard
1 tsp Italian Herb Mix (see below)

Whirl ingredients in blender.

Italian Herb Mix (makes about 1/2 cup):
2 Tablespoons dried oregano
1 Tablespoon garlic powder
1 Tablespoon onion powder
1 Tablespoon dried parsley
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme

Best Recipe: Warm Italian Cherry Tomatoes

Cook’s Notes: A variation on the amazing Spinach Tortellini Salad — these warm tomatoes have become one of my favorite appetizers or side dishes. The tomatoes burst and thicken the sauce as they cook. You can toss the tomatoes with mixed lettuce for a simple salad. These tomatoes are also great on slices of bread.

2 Tablespoons (1 oz) balsamic vinegar
1 Tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon crushed garlic
1 Tablespoon dry Italian herb mix (see below)
2 Tablespoons (1 oz) olive oil
16 oz cherry tomatoes, heirloom mix (from Trader Joe’s)

Combine all ingredients in a skillet. Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the tomato skins start to split and release their juices. Simmer for at least 15 minutes.

Italian Herb Mix (makes about 1/2 cup):
2 Tablespoons dried oregano
1 Tablespoon garlic powder
1 Tablespoon onion powder
1 Tablespoon dried parsley
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme

Mild Chili Spice Mix

Cook’s Notes: This is the secret ingredient to great chili. I keep two spice blends on hand in my kitchen at all times: this chili blend and Faith’s Special Spice Mix. I use the Mild Chili Spice Mix to replace plain chili powder. This is great in any Mexican food, such as tacos. Use to season cooked dried beans (home-cooked or canned), soups, and stews; or rub onto meats, seafood, or poultry to pan-fry, roast, or barbecue.

1 oz bag mild chili powder
(1/3 cup), about 4 T in volume
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp red cayenne pepper

Blend all ingredients well. Makes about 6 T in volume and 1.2 oz in weight (32 g). Fits in a 1/2-c plastic container perfectly.

Recipe source: Adapted from a “Three-Bean Chili” recipe by an anonymous author that was handed out in the 1980′s at a grocery store.

Faith’s Special Spice Mix

3 T sweet paprika
2 T salt
1 T black pepper
1 T garlic powder (Garlic Garni preferred)
2 tsp onion powder
1 tsp dried oregano, crushed
1/2 tsp rosemary powder
1/2 tsp red cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp dried thyme

Stir the spices together. Yields about 1/2 c (filled a 4-oz container with spices left over; probably 5 oz in volume). Store in airtight containers at room temperature.

Cook’s Notes: Use instead of plain paprika powder. We make a batch of this fantastic mix about every 6 months. It is great on sweet potatoes, spiced pecans, chicken, salmon, and more. You can even stir it into mayonnaise.

Source:
Recipe modified from Faith Ford’s excellent Southern cooking book, Cooking with Faith.
I bought my Garlic Garni at a street festival from Pat the Garlic Lady.