Since 1915, Favourit has been crafting premium herbs and spices in Belfast. As The Chef’s Choice for over a century, we’re sharing our expertise to help you create professional-quality spice blends in your own kitchen.
The Professional Advantage
Creating your own spice blends offers unique benefits:
- Custom flavours tailored to your taste
- Control over the seasoning intensity
- Fresh, aromatic blends for every dish
- Ability to adjust for personal preferences
Professional Kitchen Essentials
Every successful spice blend starts with the right tools:
- Spice grinder or mortar and pestle
- Measuring spoons
- Airtight containers
- Small whisk or fork
- Fine-mesh sieve
Understanding Flavour Categories
Heat Elements
- Chilli powder
- Cayenne pepper
- Black pepper
Aromatics
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Ground ginger
Earthy Notes
- Ground cumin
- Ground coriander
- Turmeric
Sweet Elements
- Ground cinnamon
- Ground nutmeg
- Ground allspice
Professional Blending Techniques
Start with a base of 2-3 main spices, then carefully add complementary spices in smaller amounts. Professional chefs taste throughout the process, adjusting the balance until it is perfect.
Favourit’s Classic Blend Recipes
All-Purpose Seasoning
- 2 tbsp Paprika
- 1 tbsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tbsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Ground Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Dried Thyme
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano
Italian Herb Blend
- 2 tbsp Dried Basil
- 2 tbsp Dried Oregano
- 1 tbsp Dried Rosemary
- 1 tbsp Dried Thyme
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp Red Chilli Flakes
Traditional Curry Blend
- 2 tbsp Ground Coriander
- 2 tbsp Ground Cumin
- 1 tbsp Turmeric
- 1 tsp Ground Ginger
- 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp Ground Black Pepper
- 1/4 tsp Ground Cardamom
Professional Storage Tips
- Store in airtight containers
- Keep in a cool, dry place (refer to pack for guidance)
- Use clean, dry utensils
- Label your custom blends
Creating Signature Blends
Start with Favourit’s classic seasonings as your base:
BBQ Blend
Begin with Favourit’s BBQ Seasoning and adjust to taste with additional black pepper or paprika.
Cajun Style
Start with Favourit’s Cajun Seasoning and customise the heat level to your preference.
Professional Applications
- Use as a dry rub for meats before cooking
- Sprinkle over vegetables before roasting
- Mix into marinades and sauces
- Add to soups and stews
Troubleshooting Like a Chef
- Too intense: Add more base spices to dilute
- Lacking depth: Toast whole spices before grinding
- Unbalanced: Adjust main ingredients in small increments
Kitchen Presentation
Share your creations professionally:
- Use clean, airtight containers
- Create clear labels with blend names
- Include suggested uses
- Consider gifting in themed collections
Our Promise
As Ireland’s oldest herbs and spice manufacturer, Favourit remains committed to providing premium quality seasonings. Whether you’re a professional chef or a passionate home cook, our products bring over a century of expertise to your kitchen.
Proud to be local since 1915, Favourit continues to process and package all our products in Belfast, maintaining the highest standards that have made us The Chef’s Choice for generations.
