Making mixes for soup, salad dressing and sauces at home

Those seasoning packets for tacos, Italian sauces and salad dressings sure are convenient. But the cost adds up fast. Why would I buy a $1 per packet of taco seasoning when I can make my own for pennies?

One way I save so much is to purchase all of my seasonings and spices at my local dollar store. I can get the large 16-ounce containers for $1 and sometimes $.50 cents.

And since I use seasoning in almost everything I cook it can be a good value. 

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Italian Seasoning

This is great for making your own pasta sauces or burgers.

4 tbsp dried basil

4 tbsp dried oregano

4 tbsp dried parsley

2 tbsp garlic powder

2 tsp onion powder

2 tsp dried thyme

2 tsp dried rosemary

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

Mix in a small bowl. Place unused contents in a jar and keep in fridge up to 6 months

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Taco Season

1 tbsp chili powder

1 tbsp Cumin (or more)

1 tsp garlic salt

1/4 tsp onion powder

1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

1/4 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp paprika

1 tsp black pepper or garlic pepper

Dump everything in a bowl, mix together and you are done, girl!

Just add to your meat to flavor while you are cooking it.

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Dry Ranch Mix

This is perfect for dips or dishes that you want to jazz up with that cool ranch flavor.

1 tsp dried parsley

3/4 tsp ground black pepper

1 tsp seasoned salt

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp onion powder

1/8 tsp dried thyme

For dressing mix with 1 cup buttermilk and one cup mayonnaise. For dip mix with a carton of sour cream.

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Onion Soup Mix

Need the perfect seasoning for a pot roast? Try onion soup mix

2 tbsp beef bouillon, crushed

1 tsp dried onion

1/4 teaspoon dried parsley

1/4 tsp paprika

1/8 tsp black pepper

Mix thoroughly and store in airtight container

For more great ideas visit Romance on a Dime for Take it On Tuesday.