Fall brings with it the rich aromas of cinnamon, nutmeg, rosemary, and sage. At The Denman Homestead, we love creating our own spice and seasoning blends using dried herbs and spices, especially since some of them can be grown right here on the homestead! These DIY blends are fresher, more flavorful, and free of fillers or preservatives. Here are some of our favorite autumn-inspired blends, perfect for everything from cozy soups to homemade pumpkin pie.
Why Make Your Own Spice Blends?
Creating your own spice blends allows you to control the quality and freshness of each ingredient, and it adds a personal touch to your fall cooking. Plus, when you make your own, you’re less likely to rely on store-bought mixes filled with preservatives and artificial flavors. By drying or grinding homegrown herbs and spices, you’ll have delicious seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of each dish.
1. DIY Pumpkin Pie Spice
No fall spice collection is complete without a pumpkin pie spice blend. This mix is perfect for everything from pumpkin pie to morning oatmeal or even homemade lattes.
Ingredients:
- 3 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 ½ tsp ground allspice
- 1 ½ tsp ground cloves
Instructions:
1. Mix all spices in a small bowl and transfer to an airtight jar.
2. Store in a cool, dark place, and use within six months for the best flavor.
The Denman Homestead tip: If you have whole cinnamon sticks, cloves, or nutmeg, try grinding them fresh. Whole spices retain their flavor longer and give a more robust taste to your blend.
2. Herb Blend for Roasted Vegetables
This blend is earthy, savory, and perfect for tossing with root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or squash before roasting. Most of these herbs are easy to grow and dry on the homestead!
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp dried rosemary
- 2 tbsp dried thyme
- 2 tbsp dried sage
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp dried basil
- 1 tsp salt (optional)
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
1. Crush any whole herbs, like rosemary or thyme, to release their oils and blend better.
2. Combine all ingredients in a jar, shake well, and store in a dark cabinet.
The Denman Homestead tip: This mix is fantastic on roasted potatoes with a little olive oil. We like to make a big batch and keep it on hand all season long!
3. Homemade Apple Spice Blend
This blend is ideal for spicing up baked apples, apple crisps, or cider. It has warm, comforting flavors that pair perfectly with fall fruit recipes.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp ground allspice
- 1 tbsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cardamom (optional for a more complex flavor)
Instructions:
1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
2. Store in an airtight container and sprinkle it on baked goods or even into your morning coffee.
The Denman Homestead tip: A dash of this apple spice blend is wonderful in pancake batter, adding a subtle autumn flavor without overpowering the dish.
4. Savory Fall Blend for Soups and Stews
This blend adds depth and warmth to any soup or stew, with savory, earthy herbs that bring out the flavors in fall vegetables and meats.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp dried thyme
- 1 tbsp dried rosemary
- 1 tbsp dried sage
- 1 tbsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp ground marjoram
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions:
1. Combine all ingredients and store in an airtight jar.
2. Add a tablespoon to soups, stews, or even homemade bread dough for a boost of flavor.
The Denman Homestead tip: This blend pairs beautifully with fall favorites like butternut squash soup and beef stew. We often add it to homemade bone broth for an extra infusion of flavor.
5. Spiced Hot Cocoa Mix
Fall nights call for cozy drinks, and nothing warms you up like a cup of homemade spiced hot cocoa. This blend makes a great gift too!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp ground cloves
Instructions:
1. Mix all ingredients thoroughly in a bowl.
2. Store in a sealed container, and use 2-3 tablespoons per cup of milk or hot water.
The Denman Homestead tip: For a creamier taste, mix with hot milk instead of water. Add a pinch of sea salt to bring out the flavors even more.
Tips for Drying and Storing Homemade Spices
For homesteaders, drying herbs and spices at home is a great way to ensure freshness. Here are a few tips we follow at The Denman Homestead:
- Drying: Hang bundles of fresh herbs in a cool, dry place or use a dehydrator if humidity is high.
- Grinding: For the best flavor, grind whole spices like cinnamon sticks or nutmeg just before use. A mortar and pestle or a dedicated coffee grinder works well for this.
-Storage: Store your spices in airtight containers, away from heat and sunlight to maintain potency. Small glass jars with tight-fitting lids are ideal for keeping blends fresh and flavorful.
A Flavorful Fall Awaits
There’s something special about mixing your own spices and seasoning blends—it brings you closer to the ingredients and gives every meal a little extra love. Whether you’re roasting a tray of fall vegetables, baking apple pie, or warming up with spiced cocoa, these homemade blends from The Denman Homestead add warmth and richness to your table.
Happy fall and happy seasoning! Let us know if you try any of these blends, and feel free to share your own favorite homestead spices with us.
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