Crushed Red Pepper / Homemade Chili Seasoning Mix and Taco Seasoning Mix - Margaret Ullrich

I know how it is.

You're in a rush.

They're both red and they looked the same.

Some twit had put a bag in the wrong place.

Got an email asking if crushed dried red pepper can be used in place of paprika.

Ah... not really.

Paprika is ground from dried sweet red peppers.  

Crushed dried red pepper is made from hot red peppers.

Paprika is milder than crushed dried red pepper.

Trust me.

If you want to substitute red pepper for paprika, you can.

It'll just have more of a kick and be a little different.

Maybe not the best thing as a garnish for that fussy preschool eater.

Or if the guests expect the chicken paprikash to taste a certain way.

Don't panic and think you have to return the bag of red pepper to the store.

Crushed dried red pepper is very useful, too.

Especially with the older kids.

Especially if they like chili or tacos.

Whip these blends up at home and save a few bucks.

If the gang likes it hot, add some more crushed dried red pepper.

Chili Seasoning Mix

2 Tablespoons flour

4 Tablespoons dry minced onion

1 Tablespoon chili powder

2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon crushed dried red pepper

1 teaspoon dry minced garlic

1 teaspoon sugar

1 teaspoon ground cumin

Makes 1/2 Cup

Taco Seasoning Mix

1 teaspoon cornstarch

4 teaspoons dry minced onion 

2 teaspoons salt

2 teaspoons chili powder

1 teaspoon crushed dried red pepper

1 teaspoon dry minced garlic

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon ground cumin

Makes 1/2 Cup