One highly regarded spice blend that I recently added to my rack is Cajun inspired. Yet there’s no exotic ingredients. It’s just a simple blend of salt, pepper, garlic salt and red pepper. When I find a soup or vegetable that seems a bit bland, I give it a shake of the cheeky, Southern condiment called Slap Ya Mama.
Slap Ya Mama Cajun seasoning
The blend is made in Ville Platte, LA, deep in the heart of Cajun country and bears a label saying it contains no MSG. Rather than make a city-wide search for the spice mix, I ordered it from Amazon. It comes in two strengths and I got one of each. A later Google search showed that it’s available locally at Straubs in Clayton, Walmart, Starr’s, World Market, and Meat Fair.
Just this weekend I put a shake of the milder one in my stir fried rice. Perfect! It also enlivens pork chops. I’m not an egg eater, but I’m told by those who are, that it gives breakfast an extra snap. I’m thinking that when I finish this store-bought blend, I’ll concoct my own and adjust the ratio of salt to red pepper until I find what I prefer. I can do that with the spices I already have on hand and for a lot less cost. But then I’ll miss the colorful container with the brash, Cajun name.
All of us have some favorite mixture we turn to when seasoning. I have a friend who swears by celery salt—keeps it near the stove for a flavor boost when cooking meat, vegetables and casseroles. What about you? If you’ve got a favorite spice blend, off the shelf or from your kitchen, tell us about it.
