HOMEMADE CAJUN SPICES

1 box salt
1 1/2 ounces black pepper
2 ounces ground red pepper
1 ounce garlic powder
1 ounce bottle chili powder
1 ounce accent
Mix all ingredients together. Store in tightly closed jars in cool place.

HOMEMADE EXTRACTS

***FOR VANILLA EXTRACT***
2 vanilla beans -- cut in half lengthwise and chopped
1/2 cup brandy
1/4 cup water
***FOR LEMON EXTRACT***
one lemon -- diced (you should have at least 2 tablespoons), Zest of
1/2 cup vodka
1/4 cup water
***FOR ORANGE EXTRACT***
1/2 navel orange; cut into tiny chunks -- (about 1 1/2 tablespoons), Zest of
1/4 cup vodka
1/2 cup water
1.Combine ingredients for the extract of your choice in a half-pint canning jar.
Cover and set aside to steep for 3 days.
2.If giving as a gift, strain a portion (for aesthetics) and transfer it to a
little apothecary bottle or other attractive glass container. For vanilla extract,
add a piece of vanilla bean. For lemon or orange extract, add a spiral of peel.
Yields 3/4 cup of each extract.