Making your own poultry seasoning allows you to determine the final taste of the spice blend. By starting with a basic recipe, you can refine the amount of spices in the blend to create a poultry seasoning that is suited perfectly to your own tastes. Basic homemade poultry seasoning can be made with herbs and spices found in most kitchens. Since there are no exotic ingredients in the recipe, those herbs and spices that you do not have can be picked up at any grocery store.
Gathering Ingredients and Supplies
First off, you will need a bowl to mix the spices in, along with a fork or whisk to blend them. You will also need an airtight container to store the poultry seasoning in, once it is mixed. Clean, empty spice jars with shaker tops are perfect for storing the seasoning. From your spice rack, you'll need to gather rosemary, sage, parsley, marjoram, thyme, celery seed and black pepper. You will also need a set of measuring spoons and a funnel.
Making the Seasoning
In the bowl, combine 2 tablespoons each of ground rosemary, ground marjoram, ground thyme and ground sage. Add in 1 teaspoon each of celery seed and dried, ground parsley. Add up to 2 teaspoons of black pepper. Stir or whisk the spices to distribute them evenly. This basic recipe can be halved, doubled or tripled depending upon your needs. If you prefer more of one spice, feel free to add additional amounts of that spice. If you don't like the taste of a spice, you can leave it out altogether. The recipe is very versatile and you can make substitutions as desired. One easy change is to replace the black pepper with lemon pepper.
Using and Storing
Poultry seasoning can either be sprinkled or rubbed on the chicken or turkey before cooking. A poultry marinade can be made easily by combining 2 to 3 tablespoons of seasoning with 1/4 cup of lemon juice and 1/4 cup of olive oil. Be sure to refrigerate the poultry as it marinates. The dry seasoning should be stored in a dry area in an airtight container when not needed. Since there are no preservatives in the seasoning, it may begin to clump during long-term storage. Break up the clumps with your fingers or a mortar and pestle and shake or stir to redistribute the spices evenly.
Tags: poultry seasoning, black pepper, airtight container, also need, basic recipe, celery seed, herbs spices
