Homemade Fajita Seasoning

School is almost out, the sun is always shining, the garden is planted and the projects just keep on coming. I think everyday we cross one project off of the list and then add 4 more. Anyone else feeling like this?

With so many projects and all of us just wanting to live outside as long as possible our meal variety has been very small. We are on a consistent rotation of mexican, pasta/pizza and grilling out. Mexican seems to be my favorite right now because Simon eats anything that is in the form of a quesadilla.

Two weeks ago after pulling out all of my mexican seasonings for the third time that week I decided that I need to put together a seasoning mix once and for all! Since that lightbulb moment, I think I have saved at least an hour of time in finding and pulling out all the seasonings, sprinkling them in and then cleaning them up. I have used it in our black bean burgers, taco salad, cheese and veggie quesadillas, egg burritos and even made a vegenaise dip with it for french fries. Wow, I think I have to lay off the mexican in our life .... nah!

Work smarter, not harder! 

Now, just to use that motto for all of our lawn clean-up and random projects. Anyone free to help us ... we pay in home brews!!

Homemade Fajita Seasoning

Makes 3/4 cup

1/4 c chili powder
2 T salt
1 T paprika (smoked if you prefer)
1 T cumin
1 T onion powder
1 T garlic powder
2 t coriander
1 t oregano
1/4 t cayenne (more if you like the heat)

Mix all ingredients together and keep in an airtight container.

Homemade Salt Substitute Recipe

I always considered myself a salt fanatic. I used to over-salt my foods a lot just because I love that extra flavor. Then, Paul came into my life and I realized what a real salt fanatic was. He is guilty of salting his food before he even tries it. After a few years of this driving me absolutely crazy, he stopped pre-salting and I started controlling our salt intake. Some recipes I used to try using other ingredients instead of salt to bring out the natural flavors. Then, I began experimenting with salt substitutes.

Years and years have gone by since I started using this recipe. In the past few years, I have to admit, I have completely forgotten about it all together. My sister-in-law recently got married and she was doing a spice mixture as their wedding gift for their guests. My salt substitute recipe instantly came to mind and I rushed out to my local health food store to pick up some lemon rind (they sell it in bulk). The lemon rind is the big star to this recipe and in my opinion, you can't have a salt substitute without it! I love sprinkling this on raw tomatoes and lightly sauteed vegetables, but you can really get creative in using it anywhere.

It's wonderful to have a new addition to the family and celebrate a great wedding. It's also great to resurrect old recipes that were long lost deep in the recipe books! Enjoy it like we have and healthy happy eating to you!!

Homemade Salt Substitute Recipe

Makes 2/3 cup

1/4 c garlic powder
2 T oregano
2 T onion powder
2 T lemon rind (dried)

Mix all ingredients into a bowl and use as needed. Store in an airtight container.