Make Ahead Seasoning Staples

South Western Spice Blend
1 tablespoon coarse salt

2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons pepper
1/2 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa
Preparation
Combine all ingredients. Store in airtight container. Use as a meat or poultry rub or to flavor chili and soups.

Southwestern Chicken: Rub Southwestern Spice Blend over 6 skinned and boned chicken breast halves. (Or freeze in a freezer bag up to 6 months. Thaw before grilling.) Grill, covered with grill lid, over medium-high heat (350° to 400°) 6 to 7 minutes on each side or until done.

Zesty Chicken Marinade
Ingredients
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper

Preparation:  Mix together in a gallon bag, put thawed chicken breast halves in the mixture, squeeze air out of it, and seal.  Refrigerate until ready to cook.  Pull it out and grill chicken or put all into a casserole dish, and bake until cooked throughly.

Makes about enough for 4 chicken breast halves
Meditteranian Blend
2 teaspoons ground sage
2 teaspoons dry thyme
2 teaspoons pepper
1 teaspoon coarse salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed

Preparation
Combine all ingredients. Store in an airtight container. Use to coat lamb, chicken, or beef.

Mediterranean Steak: Stir together Mediterranean Rub and 1 tablespoon olive oil; rub over 1 (2-pound) flank or sirloin steak. (Or freeze in a freezer bag up to 6 months. Thaw before grilling.) Grill, covered with grill lid, over medium-high heat (350° to 400°) 8 minutes on each side or to desired degree of doneness.
Italian Blend
2 teaspoons ground sage
2 teaspoons dry thyme
2 teaspoons pepper
1 teaspoon coarse salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed

Preparation
Combine all ingredients. Store in an airtight container. Use to coat lamb, chicken, or beef.

Mediterranean Steak: Stir together Mediterranean Rub and 1 tablespoon olive oil; rub over 1 (2-pound) flank or sirloin steak. (Or freeze in a freezer bag up to 6 months. Thaw before grilling.) Grill, covered with grill lid, over medium-high heat (350° to 400°) 8 minutes on each side or to desired degree of doneness.

Southern Living August 2003

Classic Steakhouse blend
Ingredients

2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons coarse salt
2 teaspoons dry mustard
1 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper

Preparation
Combine all ingredients. Store in an airtight container. Use to coat flank, sirloin, or rib-eye steak.

Classic Flank Steak: Rub Classic Steakhouse Blend over 1 (2 to 2 1/2-pound) flank steak. (For investment cooking, freeze in a freezer bag for up to 6 months. Thaw before cooking.) Grill, covered with grill lid, over meduim high heat (350º to 400º) 8 minutes on each side or to desired degree of doneness.

Southern Living November 2003
Enjoy, ~Mommy of 6 <3