I had just lined up a half dozen mason jars on the kitchen counter when my son Alex came into the room.
“What are you up to?” He asked as I began pulling spices from the cabinet.
“I’m making homemade ranch, taco and gravy mixes.” I shook the container of chili powder to make sure I had enough. “I’m going to start with the taco mix.” I opened the drawer and took out the measuring spoons. “I’m going to double the recipe so I won’t have to make it as often.”
I pulled out the cumin, onion powder, and paprika, checking their expiration dates before putting them next to the mason jars.
Alex picked up the chili powder and looked at the lid. “I’m glad you’re checking the expiration date first.” He started to laugh before he put the spice with the others. “That’s new for you.”
I had to laugh myself. “That’s because I’ve always counted on you to do that for me.” I shrugged my shoulders. “I prefer to use the sniff test instead of a date stamped on a lid.”
“But when spices get older they lose their potency.”
I shrugged my shoulders again. “To each his own.” I began measuring each spice before tapping the measuring spoon on the edge of the jar. I looked back at the recipe card. “Can you get the garlic powder, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper?”
Alex opened the cabinet and took out the containers, giving the expiration date a quick scan before putting them on the counter.
When I’d gotten all the spices in the jar I put the lid on and gave it a quick shake to combine all the spices together. “There!” I said as I held the jar out to him. “Taco seasonings without all the preservatives and things I can’t even pronounce in it!”
I handed the jar to Alex. “Now let’s do the ranch seasoning next.”
We gathered all the ingredients together and put them in another mason jar. Giving it a quick shake I put it in the cabinet next to the taco mix.
“Now I just have to do the gravy mix and we’re done.” I pulled out the ingredients and then stopped and looked over at Alex. “I had to change this recipe a little bit.”
“Why?” Alex said as he handed me the bag of flour.
“Because you’re suppose to add bouillon powder to this mix but when I went to the store get some they were all loaded with a long list of preservatives.” I shook my head. “How’s that suppose to be better for you?”
“So what are you going to do instead?” Alex asked as he handed me the measuring spoon.
“When I’m ready to use it I’ll just mix the dry ingredients with some beef stock instead.” I put the lid on the last one and gave it a quick shake before handing it to Alex to put in the cabinet.
“Okay.” I quickly brushed any powder left on my hands over the garbage can. “I think I’m in the mood for some tacos tonight.” I looked over at Alex. “What about you?” Alex got the taco mix we’d just made out of the cabinet and handed it to me. “Sounds good to me.”
“We’re not going to use this one yet.” I took the jar from him and put it back in the cabinet. “I have a few of the store bought packets left that I want to use up first.”
Alex laughed. “Are you serious?”
“Absolutely.” I took the packet from cabinet and gave it a quick shake. “I want to eat healthier, but I also believe in not wasting money.”
Slice of Life 