Homemade Chili Seasoning Mix

With winter approaching quickly, the time of year has come where different kinds of chili will be made in our household. Bryan loves chili and requests it weekly during the cold months. Heck, he even wants it in the summer. We are having homemade turkey and bean chili tonight. I wanted to share a simple recipe with all of you, just in case you will be having chili in your home soon.

Now, it is so easy to grab that McCormick's chili seasoning packet, but please listen to me and don't do it! The typical serving size in one of those packets is 4 servings, which equal 120 calories per packet for seasoning. This is just uncalled for. Homemade chili seasoning is simple to make and it makes enough that you can use it for several batches of chili. Also, it contains virtually no calories and tastes much better than the store bought version.

Homemade Chili Seasoning Mix
Makes approx 2/3 cup
Adapted from: http://www.mybakingaddiction.com/homemade-chili-and-taco-seasoning/

Ingredients:
4 tablespoons McCormick chili powder
1 teaspoon McCormick garlic powder
1 teaspoon McCormick onion powder
1 teaspoon McCormick crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon McCormick red cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon McCormick ground oregano
2 teaspoons McCormick paprika
2 tablespoons McCormick ground cumin
1 teaspoon McCormick sea salt - original recipe calls for 3 teaspoons but that is not necessary
4 teaspoons McCormick black pepper

Directions:
-In a medium sized bowl, combine all the ingredients and stir together well.
-Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

*Tips:
-The chili seasoning will last up to a year if you store it correctly.
-When making your chili, start with 1 1/2 tablespoons of the chili seasoning mix and then adjust according to tastes. I will use 2 tablespoons in my chili tonight.
-No need to use McCormick brand spices; use whatever brand you prefer.

See how simple this recipe is and I promise you will love it and so will your waistlines!

Enjoy! :)