Cajun Spice Blend

I was looking for Cajun seasoning for my New Year's Day black eyed peas. This is based on Julie Sahni's recipe in "Savoring Spices and Herbs" with a few alterations. Everyone loved the peas, btw. NOTES: I ground only 1/2 the herbs/spices for textural effect. I usually grind up a whole nutmeg & store in a jar so there's always an amount of fresh nutmeg on hand. "Cook" time = grate & mix time.

• Ready In: 7 mins
• Yields: 1 cup

Ingredients

• 1  tablespoon black peppercorns
• 1  tablespoon cumin seed
• 1  tablespoon celery seed
• 2  tablespoons dried thyme
• 1  tablespoon dried sage
• 2  tablespoons dried basil, divided
• 2  tablespoons dried oregano, divided
• 2  tablespoons dried parsley, divided
• 1  tablespoon  powdered dry mustard
• 1  tablespoon cayenne pepper
• 1  tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 3  tablespoons Hungarian paprika
• 1  tablespoon dried ancho chile powder
• 1  teaspoon  grated fresh nutmeg

Directions

1. Combine the black peppercorns & cumin seeds in a spice/coffee grinder that is used for ONLY spices & grind until spices are coarsely ground.
2. Add celery seeds & 1TB each basil, oregano, parsley & red pepper flakes.
3. Pulse until ground but not powdered.
4. Combine with remaining ingredients in a bowl & stir with a whisk until well mixed.
5. Store in an airtight container.