Essence (my version)
Many years ago the famous chef Emeril Lagasse developed his famous spice blend that is called Emeril’s Essence. You can still find it on most well stocked spice departments. Ever since it came out people have been publishing recipes in an effort to copy it.
To be completely honest here, I have never actually used Emeril’s Essence – the real stuff. I don’t actually remember why I set about making it the first time, but I found a recipe. Then I tweaked the recipe.
I usually make it in large batches to store in a gallon size ziplock. I store my extra spices in the freezer. This recipe is written in tablespoons, but you could just as easily read “parts”. I frequently buy standard size spice jars – they are about 3 oz. for spices and .6 for herbs. I buy one of everything, a second of garlic, and two extras of paprika. That is about how I make a usual batch.
I highly recommend using the smoked paprika as mentioned as a variation. I don’t make it any other way anymore, but sometimes smoked paprika can be hard to find.
Ingredients
2 1/2 tbs paprika
1 tbs salt
2 tbs granulated garlic
1 tbs black pepper
1 tbs onion powder
1 tbs cayenne pepper
1 tbs dried oregano
1 tbs dried thyme
1 tbs dried basil
Blend well and keep excess in freezer until needed.
Variation: Lemon Essence
Add :
1 tsp granulated citric acid
Variation: Smokey Essence
Substitute Smoked Paprika for the regular paprika.