TODAY Food Club

Why buy a spice mix when you can make your own with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen? It’s a great way to use up those half empty bottles of herbs and spices.

Making it yourself is also the best way to avoid the additives that many pre-made spice mixes include. So you can be sure there’s nothing artificial, no sugar, and no salt added.

Here are three DIY spice mixes you can stir together in just a few minutes.

Pumpkin Pie Spice

Pumpkin pie spice is good on everything this time of year. Keep a jar on the counter to add a little fall flavor to whatever you’re making. And of course, it’s perfect for paleo pumpkin pie.

Yield: About 3 tablespoons

2 tablespoons cinnamon
2 teaspoons ginger
2 teaspoons nutmeg
½ teaspoon allspice

Stir all ingredients together in a small bowl. Store in an air-tight glass jar.

Chili Powder

This easy chili powder recipe has just five ingredients. It’s smoky, with just a touch of heat—the perfect spice blend for cauliflower chicken chili or any Tex-Mex dish.

Yield: About 3 tablespoons

1 tablespoon smoked sweet paprika
1 tablespoon ground cumin
2 teaspoons smoked hot paprika
1 teaspoon granulated garlic
1 teaspoon dried oregano

Stir all ingredients together in a small bowl. Store in an air-tight glass jar.

Herbes de Provence

Herbes de Provence is a classic mixture of dried herbs typical of the south of France. Use it on anything from crock pot whole chicken to Thanksgiving turkey.

Yield: About ¼ cup

1 tablespoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon dried rosemary
1 tablespoon dried savory or thyme
1 tablespoon dried marjoram or oregano
1 tablespoon dried basil or parsley
Dried tarragon, sage, bay, or lavender to taste (optional)

Stir all ingredients together in a small bowl. Store in an air-tight glass jar.