Homemade Seasoning Staples: Garden Blend, Blanco Trinity & Red, Crimson Essence Blends

In my kitchen, these three blends — White, Trinity White, and Red — are the foundation of just about everything I cook. From soups and sauces to roasted veggies and chicken, these are my go-tos.

They give my food that deep, layered flavor that’s hard to describe — it’s part Southern, part homestyle, part just… me.

If you’ve ever tried one of my recipes and thought, “What’s that flavor I can’t quite place?” — it’s probably one of these blends doing its magic.

Now, I usually make mine in large batches because I use them almost daily, but I’ve scaled these down so you can make smaller jars to keep in your own seasoning cabinet. Trust me, once you start using these, it’s hard to go back to store-bought seasoning mixes.

Garden Blend (The Original)

This is my all-purpose everything blend. It’s soft, savory, and clean — perfect for chicken, fish, soups, and even vegetables. It works on just about everything .

Small-Batch Recipe

• 2 Tbsp onion powder

• 2 Tbsp garlic powder

• 2 Tbsp fine sea salt

• 1 Tbsp dried oregano

• 1 Tbsp dried parsley

• 2 tsp arrowroot powder (optional, helps it cling and stay smooth)

Mix everything together and store in an airtight jar or glass shaker.

(If you like a saltier blend, add an extra ½ tablespoon of salt.)

Use it for: creamy soups, chicken and dumplins, roasted potatoes, gravies, or to season meats before searing.

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Blanco Trinity Blend

Salt Free Blend

This one is a flavor builder. It mimics the holy Cajun trinity — onion, bell pepper, and celery — without all the chopping. It’s mild, herbal, and full of that savory base note that makes your food taste like it’s been cooking for hours.

Small-Batch Recipe

• 2 Tbsp dried onion flakes or onion powder

• 1 Tbsp dried powdered bell pepper

• 1 Tbsp dried celery flakes

• 1½ Tbsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp arrowroot powder (optional, helps with texture)

***(Find find Cajun trinity blend that you like if you have it — just check for preservatives) will cut down on sourcing each individual ingredient. Add in other ingredients

Mix and store in a spice jar or glass container with a tight lid.

Use it for: soups, rice dishes, stews, casseroles, and anywhere you’d normally start with onion, celery, and bell pepper.

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Crimson Essence Blend

The red blend is rich, bold, and smoky — it’s what gives that hint of warmth to chicken, seafood, or any sauce that needs depth. Think of it as my “soulful kick” seasoning. I use this on the most, hands down.

Small-Batch Recipe

• 2 Tbsp dried onion flakes or onion powder

• 1 Tbsp dried bell pepper (or Cajun trinity blend)

• 1 Tbsp dried celery flakes

• 1½ Tbsp garlic powder

• 1 Tbsp smoked paprika (or sweet paprika for a lighter touch)

• 1½ Tbsp fine sea salt

• Skip arrowroot if using a prepared trinity blend — it already has enough body.

Mix well and store in a dry jar away from sunlight.

Use it for: baked chicken, stews, gravies, meat marinades, shrimp, or roasted vegetables for that “something special.”

A Note from My Kitchen

These blends are what tie my recipes together. They’re simple but full of heart. You’ll notice I use arrowroot powder in some of them — it helps the seasoning stick to your food and adds a velvety finish, especially when used in soups or gravies.

Make these once, and you’ll start reaching for them the way I do — automatically.

They’re also perfect to gift! A set of these in cute glass jars makes a thoughtful little homemade kitchen present.