6 Spice Blends and Rubs for a Sizzling Summer
With spring finally here and summer nipping at its heels, it’s time to fire up the grill and move the dinner table outdoors. Summer dining is beloved for its easy prep and knockout taste. But imagine if you could cut that prep in half by having a few of your favorite spice blends and rubs waiting for you in your cupboard. With only a few hours of light kitchen work you can stock pile a collection of summer-friendly concoctions that will have you smacking your lips all season long. Here are a few of our favourite make-ahead spice blends and rubs to get you started:
6 Spice Blends & Rubs for Summer Barbeque Season
Memphis-Style Pork Ribs
Ribs inevitably wind up on almost everyone’s summer cookout menu, but you can blow your rib-weary guests away with this authentic Memphis-Style rub from Simply Recipes. This rub has all the Memphis spice standbys, like paprika, brown sugar, black pepper and cayenne, plus a few dashes that are off the beaten path. Remember to cook your ribs low and slow or your pitch perfect rub will be for naught.
image courtesy of Simply Recipes
Pasta Salad Seasoning Mix
No summer menu would be complete without a big bowl of pasta salad. This year, forget the bottle of zesty Italian dressing and add this pasta salad seasoning mix from Tastes of Lizzy T to your favourite salad. Complete with a zing of cayenne pepper and the buttery tang of Parmesan cheese, this seasoning blend can take any pasta salad from boring to beautiful with a shake of the wrist.
image courtesy of Tastes of Lizzy T
Celery Salt
Temperatures are on the rise, which means Caesars are popping up on patios everywhere. If you want to up your summer cocktail game try rimming your Caesars with Sassy Kitchen’s homemade celery salt. Not only is this salt an excellent way to use up celery leaves, it’s incredibly easy to make. It will have you wondering how you ever subjected yourself to the pricey store brand versions.
image courtesy of SassyKitchen
Tuscan Herb Spice Mix
Enjoy a taste of the sun-soaked hills of Tuscany right in your own backyard with this simple spice mix from The Comfort of Cooking. While this blend is perfect year round, there is something particularly special about its relationship with cedar-planked salmon. Add a squeeze of lemon and you’re off to the races.
image courtesy of The Comfort of Cooking
All-Purpose Summer Spice Rub
Straight from the Tasting Table’s test kitchen to your grill, this smoky, floral rub is right at home on everything from pork chops to chicken. With only 3 ingredients, this spice blend will take any meat (or vegetable) to the next level. Don’t forget to let it marinate for at least an hour to get the most from the flavors.
