Pizza Seasoning

I wish I remembered where I found this recipe so I could give the author credit. 

Homemade Pizza seasoning

Ingredients:

1 1/2 T dried oregano

1 t dried basil

1 t dried rosemary

1 1/2 T onion flakes

1/4 t dried thyme

1/2 t course sea salt

1/2 t chili flakes

1/4 t garlic powder

Combine all ingredients. Crush with mortar and pestle or run through a spice or coffee grinder.

Store in airtight container.

Vanilla extract

How to Make Vanilla Extract

Commercial vanilla extract usually has simple syrup (sugar water) added to the extract to give it a sweet aftertaste. You can do this if you want, but if you are using the vanilla for baking, there really is no need.

INGREDIENTS

3 vanilla beans
1 cup vodka
glass or mason jar with tight fitting lid

METHOD

1 Use kitchen scissors or a sharp paring knife to cut lengthwise down each vanilla bean, splitting them in half, leaving an inch at the end connected.

2 Put vanilla beans in a glass jar or bottle with a tight fitting lid (mason jars work well). Cover completely with the vodka.

3 Give the bottle a good shake every once in a while. Store in a dark, cool place for 2 months or longer.
Lasts for years. You can keep topping it off with vodka once in a while as you use it, just remember to give it a good shake.
You can also make vanilla sugar by putting a split vanilla bean into a jar of white, granulated sugar. Great way to infuse the sugar with vanilla flavor for baking.

Middle Eastern Spice Mix

Makes 2/3 cup.

2 T freshly ground pepper
1 1/2 T ground cumin
1 T ground coriander
1 T salt
1 1/2 t ground cardamon

3/4 t ground cloves

Cajun Spice Mix

Easy spice mix to make at home. This recipe makes 2/3 cup.

2 T paprika
2 T freshly ground black pepper
1 T garlic powder
2 t red pepper flakes
2 t dried thyme
2 t dried oregano
2 t onion powder
1/8 t ground red pepper (or more to taste)