KFC Original Recipe Seasoning Mix

Already you know I'm kidding. You and I both know that recipe is guarded better than Ft. Knox. Yes it is a copy cat. It does have 11 herbs and spices. To be honest this stuff is great and not just for chicken, pork chops are fabulous prepared like this. Rub some of this on the chicken you're going to bake or grill the next time and let it sit for about 20-30 minutes. You'll be making this stuff by the bucket fulls.

You're in the kitchen anyway make up a batch of House Seasoning. I promise, once you make a batch you will wonder how you ever cooked without it. Okay I'll give it you to again, but this is the last time. I've said that five times.

The reason it's important that you hurry and get this stuff made is because I'm getting ready to give you a Southern Fried Chicken recipe that would make "The Colonel" weep, but it takes House Seasoning and KFC Original Seasoning Mix to do it right. I'll post that tomorrow.

House Seasoning

1 cup kosher salt
1/4 cup freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup granulated garlic (NOT garlic powder)

Mix all this together and put it in a container with a tight fitting lid,( I use a Mason jar) and use as needed on anything that calls for salt and pepper.


KFC Original Recipe Seasoning Mix (my copy cat)
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2 tablespoons paprika
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 teaspoon celery salt
1 teaspoon rubbed sage
1 teaspoon granulated garlic
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon ground oregano
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon basil leaves, crushed
1 teaspoon marjoram, finely crushed

Mix all ingredients as listed in a small container with a tight fitting lid. An 8-ounce Mason jar works for me.

Shake the container to combine the mixture. At this stage, you can keep it stored for months. Keep it out of direct sunlight, heat and humidity.

When ready to use, mix 4 teaspoons of the mixture with 1 cup flour and 1 teaspoon salt, better yet House Seasoning.

Place in a doubled plastic food bag and add chicken to coat. Fry, drain on paper towels.

COOK'S NOTE: I realize "The Colonel" didn't have Essence of Emeril at his disposal, but if he had I bet he would have added a teaspoon of that to the mix, I do. Sometimes I add a teaspoon of Old Bay also, but I was trying to keep it to 11 herbs and spices.

Seasoning Mix

This is a great seasoning mix to have on hand for soups, especially bean soups, pinto, navy, black, whatever. I'll post a Bean Pot Soup in a minute that uses this. Heavenly! I have no idea where this recipe came from. I've made it and used it for years.

Seasoning Mix
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1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon season salt
1 teaspoon crushed bay leaf
1 teaspoon celery seed
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon ground thyme
1 teaspoon dried basil

In a small bowl combine the seasoning ingredients. If not used immediately, cover tightly and store in a cool, dry place.

Expresso Steak Rub

It seems everyone has a coffee steak rub lately. I happen to like this one because of the espresso beans. I use fresh ginger if I'm only making what I'll use at the time. Ground ginger is fine if you are making a lot of this to store for future use.

Expresso Steak Rub
Yield: Coating for two large New York strips
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3 tablespoons espresso beans, freshly ground
1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground pepper
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoons ginger
2 tablespoon Hungarian paprika

Mix. Brush steaks with extra virgin olive oil. Dredge in rub. Grill.

Rustic Rub

At one time I bought this stuff every time I went to the grocery. Never thinking I might be able to find a recipe to make it myself. Emeril is such a nice guy he puts it in all his cookbooks. In my opinion it has just the right amount of heat for most of your Louisiana cuisine. It's good for pork, beef, seafood, duck, etc. Not to mention it is so much cheaper to make your own.

Rustic Rub
about 2 cups
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8 tablespoons paprika
3 tablespoons cayenne
5 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper
6 tablespoons garlic powder
3 tablespoons onion powder
6 tablespoons salt
2 1/2 tablespoons dried oregano
2 1/2 tablespoons dried thyme

Combine all the ingredients in a Mixing bowl. Blend well.

Can be stored in an airtight container in your cabinet for up to 3 months.

House Seasoning

Every few days I will refer to House Seasoning and someone will ask " What's that? The only reason I'm giving it its own post is to refer back to it and not have to re-type it all the time.

Every chef I'm ever known has had their own "house seasoning", or chef's salt, but basically they are all the same unless you get a chef that is just trying to show off. It is a quick way to salt and pepper your food before or during cooking, and a little garlic powder never hurt anything.

Once you get in the habit of having this on hand you will never be without it. You can use plain old table salt and black pepper out of a can, but I think you will be happier doing it my way.

House Seasoning
yield 1 1/2 cups
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1 cup Kosher salt
1/4 cup freshly ground coarse black pepper
1/4 cup of garlic powder (not garlic salt)

Mix all together and store in an air tight container. One with a shaker top if you have it. Anything asking for salt and pepper use this.

You will not believe the difference it makes in your chicken, burgers, chops, etc. if you sprinkle them will this seasoning and let them sit overnight in the refrigerator.

Outback Steak House - Steak Seasoning

Of course it's a copy cat recipe. Be careful if you get copy cat recipes on line. Some of them are awful. This one I have used for several years and everyone remarks that my steaks taste like Outback Steak House.

This is a great way to do hamburgers or turkey burgers, also.

Outback Steak House-Steak Seasoning

Mix together:
1 envelope Taco Seasoning
1 envelope Good Seasoning Italian Dressing Mix

1 tablespoon olive oil, approx.
1 bottle Coco Cola (Did I say Pepsi? No.)

Rub oil in steak and coat with seasoning mixture.
Pour Coca Cola around (not over) steaks in a deep glass or plastic container. Seal with plastic wrap or tight fitting lid.
Refrigerate for 24 hours
Drain and grill or broil to your likeness. Basting with marinate if you like.

COOK'S NOTE: If using a less tender steak, such as flank, pierce steak several times with a fork before rubbing in oil and coating with seasoning.

Les's Seasoned Salt

I know I'm driving everyone crazy with all these seasoning blends, but some things just make life on my back porch a lot easier. I don't know who Les's is, and I've had this recipe so long they are probably dead anyway. Everyone has seasoned salt in their kitchen (Lawry's), why not make your own. It's cheaper and more flavorful and at least you know what's in it. After making one batch you will more than likely double it the next time.

Les's Seasoned Salt
2 tablespoons celery salt
2 tablespoons garlic salt
2 tablespoons onion salt
1-1/2 teaspoons paprika
1-1/4 teaspoons chili powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Combine all ingredients and sift together three or 4 times. Put in a jar with a tight lid, preferably one with inside shaker-top. Of course I use a Mason jar (8-ounce).