Taco Seasoning

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

1. In a small bowl, mix together chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt and pepper. Store in an airtight container.

Ranch Dressing

1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup buttermilk
4 teaspoons dry mix
Dry Mix:
1-1/2 tablespoons salt
2 teaspoons MSG
2 teaspoons dry parsley flakes
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Directions

Mix all dry ingredients and store in an airtight jar.
To make dressing combine mayonnaise, buttermilk and 4 teaspoons dry mix together and mix well. Store in refrigerator.

Homemade Croutons

Ingredients needed to make croutons:

• Slices of bread
• Your choice of fresh herbs and spices
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil
• Olive oil or canola oil spay
• Mixing bowl
• A spatula
• A knife
• A baking sheet

How to make croutons:

1. Mix your herbs and spices with the olive oil.

   Prepare a half cup of olive oil in a glass container. Slowly add the herbs, salt, and pepper to the olive oil and mix thoroughly with a spoon to taste.

2. Apply your flavored oil to the bread slices.

   Apply the flavored oil to both sides of your bread slices using a spoon or a brush. Make sure each bread slice is completely covered with the flavored oil.

3. Cut your bread slices.

   Stack your slices of bread atop one another and carefully cut them into cubes using your knife. Spray your baking tray with olive oil or canola oil spray to prevent sticking and place your cubes on the tray in a single layer.

4. Bake your croutons.

   Preheat your oven to 300 degrees Farenheit and place the baking tray with the crouton cubes in the oven

   
   . Bake for eight minutes. Remove your baking sheet and use a spatula to life your croutons from the tray to prevent sticking. Continue baking for another eight minutes and repeat the process until the croutons are dry and crispy. Remove the croutons from the oven and allow them to cool before adding them to your favorite salad.

Caesar Salad Dressing!

SO, I just found out tonight that we can get lettuce from the organic farm that brings produce to the school every Thursday. I'm so pumped! I've been craving a caesar salad ever since I got here, and now I'm determined to have salads regularly. Here's the recipe I found...

1/4 c lemon juice - fresh
1 tsp Dijon mustard
2 pressed/minced garlic cloves (I use more)
1 tsp sugar
1/4 tsp fresh coarsely ground black pepper
1/4 c fresh grated Pecorino Romano or Parmigiano-Reggiano Parmesan cheese
3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil or veg oil

Directions

Mix until well blended - store in fridge until ready to use.
Let chill for at least an hour before serving.