Recipe: Layered Herb and Spice Mixes: Indian Masala, Chili Powder, Mediterranean Herb Salad Mix, 5-Spice Sugar

STRATIFIED SPICES

Layered in clear jars, these seasoning blends show off the natural hues of their ingredients. Bands of colors range from the stark white of salt and sugar to the rusty reds of paprika or chilies and the bright green of dried parsley, with many subtler shades in between. Each layer, however, contributes its own personality to the mix.

Tie on a tag or glue on a label with suggestions for how to use each seasoning mixture, as noted with the recipe. All the cook needs to do is give the bottle a shake or stir. If you want to make larger amounts, simply multiply the ingredients. - L.L.A.

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INDIAN MASALA
Makes: About 6 tablespoons

In a 1/3- to 1/2-cup tall, narrow clear jar, layer the following, contrasting light layers with dark:
2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
1 tablespoon ground coriander
1 tablespoon ground cumin
3/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/4 teaspoon cayenne

To use, shake jar or stir spices until blended.

Notes: Rub onto poultry, vegetables, pork, or beef, and roast or barbecue.

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CALIFORNIA CHILI POWDER
Makes: About 7 tablespoons

In a 1/3- to 1/2-cup tall, narrow clear jar, layer the following, contrasting light layers with dark
1/4 cup ground California or New Mexico chilies (also called California or New Mexico chili powder)
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 to 2 teaspoons cayenne
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 tea spoons onion salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder

To use, shake jar or stir spices until blended.

Notes: 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.

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MEDITERRANEAN HERB SALAD MIX
Makes: About 5 tablespoons

In a 1/3- to 1/2-cup tall, narrow clear jar, layer the following, contrasting light layers with dark:

1 tablespoon dried parsley
1 tablespoon dried onion flakes
2 tablespoons dried basil
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic salt
1 1/2 teaspoons lemon-pepper

To use, shake jar or stir spices until blended.

Notes: Sprinkle over green salads as you mix or, to make a dressing, combine 2 tablespoons of this herb blend with 1/4 cup wine vinegar and 1/2 cup olive oil.

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FIVE-SPICE SUGAR
Makes: About 5 tablespoons

In a 1/3- to 1/2-cup tall, narrow clear jar, layer the following, contrasting light layers with dark:

5 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

To use, shake jar or stir spices until blended.

Notes: Sprinkle liberally onto buttered toast, sliced fruit, or tapioca pudding. Or sprinkle the sugar onto muffin batter in pans before baking.

Source: Linda Lau Anusasananan
Sunset Magazine, December, 1999