This blend is an attempt at replicating the famous Old Bay Seasoning spice blend marketed by McCormick & Company and produced in the Chesapeake Bay area. The seasoning mix was developed by a German immigrant, Gustav Brunn, around 1939, and became immensely popular as a seasoning for shrimp and crabs throughout the United States. It is still sold, as it was originally, in a bright yellow can that has become a mainstay in the pantries of cooks throughout the USA.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Caribbean Spice Blend (Jamaican Jerk)
- 1 tbsp ground celery seed
- 1 tsp ground bay leaves (laurel)
- 1 tsp ground ginger
Instructions
- Thoroughly combine all ground ingredients and store in a tightly sealed container.
Notes
The ingredient quantity and unit of measure assume ground spices and ground dried herbs.
For the best results use whole seeds and pods. Toast them in a dry skillet for about 5 minutes until they start omitting their beautiful aromas. Then grind them in a spice mill. If using seeds or pods increase the volume (tablespoon or teaspoon) by 1/3. So for example if the recipe calls for 1 tbsp of ground sesame, use 1 1/3 tablespoons (1 tbsp plus 1 tsp) of sesame seeds. You can then combine all the seeds and pods and grind them together. Alternatively, grind the spices individually and then measure the ground product according to amount indicated above.
For best results, don’t make large batches of spice blends as the spices begin to lose potency immediately after grinding.
