Cajun seasoning is one of my favorite spice mixes. I use it on/in many different dishes; crispy potatoes, spicy shrimp pasta, etouffee and gumbo (as Alton would say – that’s another episode!). Often, the spice mixtures that you buy off the shelf have a ton of salt in them. Plus, alot of words that I can’t even pronounce. I’ve found that it’s very easy to make at home. It only takes a few seconds to put together the spices that you probably already have in your pantry. And with most things you make for yourself at home, it’s much more economical than it’s store-bought counterpart.
I love food from that region of the country. I’ve not yet had the opportunity to visit-but many books, movies, and television programs that I love are centered there. Any Swamp People fans out there? I’d have to say Troy is my favorite, followed closely by the Guist brothers. Somehow I can’t imagine them going to the grocery store to shell out $5 for a small tin of spices. Part of the life is making due with what you have, and taking pride in it. While I’m not quite ready to be shooting and dining on squirrel like Glenn and Mitchell, making my own Cajun spice mix is a start, right? Looking forward to making more DIY basics in the kitchen in 2012.
Cajun Spice Mix
3 tablespoons kosher salt
3 tablespoons ground cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon ground white pepper
1 tablespoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon celery seed
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon garlic powder
Combine the salt, cayenne, white pepper, black pepper, paprika, celery seed, onion powder, and garlic powder until evenly blended. Store in airtight container.
Source: adapted from Allrecipes
