topic Re: It doesn't have to be totally homemade in Recipes

It doesn't have to be totally homemade

depglass — Thu, 15 Oct 2020 15:31:38 GMT

I used to have this idea in my head. God forbid I should use an envelope of seasoning mix for anything. The problem was my hit and miss seasoning ideas turned out just like that flavor-wise, hit and miss. Now when I find a pre-packaged seasoning mix I like I stick with it. I've totally reconciled myself to the fact I will never be a great chef.

y!Re: It doesn't have to be totally homemade

Knit-Chick — Thu, 15 Oct 2020 16:24:10 GMT

I'm with you! I've tried to make my own seasonings too to avoid the sodium in the pre-packaged ones, but it's never as good! We all need a few shortcuts!

Re: It doesn't have to be totally homemade

Still Raining — Thu, 15 Oct 2020 17:01:51 GMT

I avoid mixes due to additives etc. More fun to live on the edge playing roulette with self seasoning.

Re: It doesn't have to be totally homemade

novamc1 — Thu, 15 Oct 2020 17:53:07 GMT

When I was younger and liked experimenting in the kitchen during limited spare time, I tried recipes for various seasonings, as well as barbecue sauces.

I now swear by ready-made, name-brand seasoning mixes and believe some bottled barbecue sauces are just as good or better than homemade.

Never again will do all that shopping for the ingredients myself !!

Re: It doesn't have to be totally homemade

QVCkitty1 — Thu, 15 Oct 2020 18:04:20 GMT

I agree that the seasoning mixes are good, but I have to watch my salt, so that eliminates a lot of them for me.

Re: It doesn't have to be totally homemade

deepwaterdotter — Thu, 15 Oct 2020 19:22:55 GMT

With a good recipe and already on-hand ingredients, I make my own seasoning blends. Cost is a factor for me too. If the store-bought mix is less expensive than making my own, I'll opt for convenience.

@It doesn't have to be totally homemade

ALRATIBA — Thu, 15 Oct 2020 20:09:15 GMT

@depglass

My mother was that way - I think because "in her day" they didn't have all the spices / mixes / etc.

She would treat a recipe as though it was divinely inspired!

I eventually converted her to the easy way of doing it.

Re: It doesn't have to be totally homemade

Jordan2 — Thu, 15 Oct 2020 21:37:33 GMT

When I make chili and taco soup, I use the taco and chili seasoning packets. It's easy and tastes good.

Re: It doesn't have to be totally homemade

jannabelle1 — Fri, 16 Oct 2020 01:55:10 GMT

There are so many excellent seasoning packets for dressings and barbeque and everything else. I admire the bbq afficionados that have their own rub or sauce recipes, but I'm a pretty simple cook and don't mind relying on some of the very good packaged seasonings! Taco, chili, barbeque....I have them all!

Re: It doesn't have to be totally homemade

Harpa — Fri, 16 Oct 2020 11:26:23 GMT

The subject line is great! And I agree! However, I avoid pre-seasoned packets. I love mixing my own. My spice & herb cabinets are bursting, and I am often running out of them.

The one terrible fluke I had was when I put cayenne in the kids' French toast in stead of cinnamon. I had gotten both from Penzy's and the packaging was the same.

Re: It doesn't have to be totally homemade

wagirl — Fri, 16 Oct 2020 14:59:33 GMT

I am over having to use everything made from scratch in my cooking--I use packaged items alot--mostly already cut up veggies, salads. but I do usually make my seasonings myself, too much sodium in the pkgs--but I do not use canned soups in my recipes--just have a thing about those----can make a killer bechamel/white sauce myself. do use canned things --beans, tom products-- and frozen things too--mostly fruits and vegs. But not any boxed, processed junk----