There’s probably a law somewhere that Old Bay must go into crab cakes. It can and does go well with tons of other foods, including fries and egg salad. Some people probably use Old Bay as often as the salt shaker. But what if you could create your version at home?
Consider mixing up your own Old Bay blend at home. You might find you like your homemade version even better. Here’s how you can craft your new favorite.
Gather Your Ingredients
To make your own Old Bay, you’re going to need quite a few spices. Some of them may surprise you. Gather these ingredients together:
- 1 tablespoon celery salt
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- A pinch each of dry ground mustard, mace, cinnamon, cardamom, allspice, cloves, and ginger
Simply combine the ingredients and store them in an airtight container.
So Many Uses
You’ll probably love your mix so much; you’ll need to double or triple the recipe. If you don’t use it up for some strange reason, it’ll keep in a good container. You probably know how good it will taste on all your seafood dishes, but don’t be afraid to branch out from there. Potatoes won’t know what hit them, and your avocado toast will go from “yum” to “oh my goodness.” Also, jazz up bagels and give your veggies a kick.
Your Own Spin
You can try tweaking the proportions of the spices when you throw your mix together. Your family might love a little more cayenne pepper heat or a little less ginger. Or, you might have allergies. In fact, making your spice blends allows you to have greater control over what goes into them.
If you or a family member has food sensitivities or allergies, knowing what’s in your food is vital. You can also omit something that you cannot or prefer not to have. Finally, consider adding in other spices that you love.
It’s Worth It
There are many more reasons to make your seasoning blends beyond food allergy concerns. Usually, making your own blend ends up being extremely cost-effective. Not only that, but you can place portions into pretty jars and containers to give as gifts to others.
Additionally, you may find that the flavor of your blend is more robust and fresh than the original Old Bay. Finally, your blend is your creation, and it feels pretty good to make things yourself.
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Don’t Stop With Old Bay
Once you have made your seasoning mix, you will see how easy it is. You won’t want to stop there. You can follow up your Old Bay foray with meat rubs and soup seasonings. Before you know it, you’ll be crafting fresh blends that will enrich your family’s mealtime.
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