canela's kitchen

I absolutely love curry. The thick yellow sauce filled with meat and vegetables, served over rice... I can eat it every day. There was a time when finding ethnic spices in my neighborhood wasn't always easy. After moving to Brooklyn, I quickly discovered the West Indian, Thai and Indian version of what a "curry," is can be totally different from one another. After much research and practice, I finally came up with a recipe that most resembled the type of curry I enjoy most. Making curry powder isn't as difficult as I thought it would be, but it does require some effort. I took the time off as it may take some people longer than others to make it. Like most things, its  worth the time to make and store this curry powder for future recipes.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons ground cumin

2 tablespoons ground cardamom

2 tablespoons ground coriander seeds

1/4 cup ground turmeric

1 tablespoon dry mustard

1 teaspoon cayenne

1 teaspoon ground white pepper

1 teaspoon ground ginger

Directions

Add all ingredients to a small bowl (or airtight jar,) and stir (or shake,) until well mixed. Use as needed according to recipe. Store in a cool, dry place.

10 minutes

I'll admit, I was one of those people who used to buy packets of taco seasoning mix for taco night. Let's face it, its easy, cheap and makes for a really good taco. What I wasn't paying attention to is how much MSG and hidden sources of gluten are in them. Once I learned how to make my own, I have never turned back. This recipe is enough to make a batch that will last several taco nights. Store in an air tight container in a dry place with your other spices. A tablespoon or two per recipe is all you need to make the best tacos your family has ever had!

Ingredients

2 tablespoons GF onion powder

2 teaspoons granulated garlic (not garlic salt or garlic powder)

1 tablespoon salt

1 tablespoon GF chili powder

1 ½ teaspoons crushed dried red pepper

1 ½ teaspoons GF ground cumin

1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves

1 ½ teaspoons cornstarch

1 teaspoon sugar

Directions

Place all ingredients in a small bowl and stir until seasonings are well mixed. Makes about 6 tablespoons of mix, or enough to season 3 pounds of ground meat. Store remainder in a cool, dry location.