Skip to Content

Preserve Your Staples And Make Your Own Rubs, Sauces And Stocks. 37 Recipes That Show You How To Do It

This collection is packed with essential recipes and techniques to enhance home cooking, from seasoning blends and homemade stocks to grilling rubs and easy sauces. Whether you’re looking for a flavorful dry rub, a guide to drying herbs, or a way to elevate your BBQ game, there’s something here for every kitchen.

Looking for smoky flavors? Try the beef rub, rib rub, or smoked chicken drumsticks. Want to save money? Learn how to dry herbs, make homemade stock, or freeze fresh produce.

Scroll through and find your next go-to kitchen staple—it’s all about making cooking easier, tastier, and more fun!

Smoky Dry-Rubbed Chicken Wings

Smoky Dry-Rubbed Chicken Wings. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

These spice-crusted wings skip the sauce and go straight for smoky, bold flavor. Perfectly seasoned and smoked for an irresistible bite.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Dry-Rubbed Chicken Wings

Homemade Seasoning Salt

Homemade Seasoning Salt. Photo credit: Stetted.

A simple, all-purpose seasoning salt you can make with pantry ingredients. Great for chicken, burgers, veggies, and more!
Get the Recipe: Homemade Seasoning Salt

Pizza Seasoning

Pizza Seasoning. Photo credit: Stetted.

Give homemade or frozen pizza a boost with this easy seasoning blend made from basic pantry spices.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Seasoning

Cookie Mix in a Jar. Photo credit: Stetted.

A customizable, giftable cookie mix in a jar! Just add your favorite mix-ins for the perfect homemade treat.
Get the Recipe: Cookie Mix in a Jar

Homemade Seafood Seasoning

Homemade Seafood Seasoning. Photo credit: Stetted.

Elevate your seafood dishes with this zesty homemade seasoning blend made from everyday spices.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Seafood Seasoning

Turkey Stock

Turkey Stock. Photo credit: Stetted.

Use leftover turkey bones to make a rich, flavorful stock—perfect for soups, gravies, and cooking rice or pasta.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Stock

Maple Butter

Maple Butter. Photo credit: Stetted.

Made with just two ingredients, this smooth and sweet maple butter is perfect for toast, waffles, and roasted veggies.
Get the Recipe: Maple Butter

Lavender Sugar

Lavender Sugar. Photo credit: Stetted.

Add a floral touch to tea, baked goods, and cocktails with this easy-to-make lavender-infused sugar.
Get the Recipe: Lavender Sugar

How to Caramelize Onions

How to Caramelize Onions. Photo credit: Stetted.

Step-by-step instructions for making perfectly caramelized onions to enhance burgers, pastas, and more.
Get the Recipe: How to Caramelize Onions

How to Parboil Potatoes

How to Parboil Potatoes. Photo credit: Stetted.

Learn the secret to parboiling potatoes for crispy, golden perfection in roasting, frying, or meal prep.
Get the Recipe: How to Parboil Potatoes

Rib Rub Recipe

Rib Rub Recipe. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

A smoky-sweet dry rub that enhances ribs and other meats with layers of bold, barbecue-ready flavor.
Get the Recipe: Rib Rub Recipe

Honey BBQ Sauce

Honey BBQ Sauce. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

A perfect balance of sweet and tangy, this homemade honey BBQ sauce is great for grilling, dipping, or brushing on meats.
Get the Recipe: Honey BBQ Sauce

Garlic Confit

Garlic Confit. Photo credit: Stetted.

Soft, slow-cooked garlic cloves in oil create a rich, spreadable flavor booster for everything from mashed potatoes to pasta.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Confit

How to Dry Sage

How to Dry Sage. Photo credit: Stetted.

Preserve fresh sage for months using four simple drying methods. Ideal for seasoning meats, soups, and stuffings.
Get the Recipe: How to Dry Sage

How to Dry Rosemary

How to Dry Rosemary. Photo credit: Stetted.

Learn how to dry rosemary at home with four easy techniques to save money and reduce food waste.
Get the Recipe: How to Dry Rosemary

Homemade Pie Crust

Homemade Pie Crust. Photo credit: Stetted.

A foolproof pie crust recipe that uses butter and shortening for the ultimate flaky and tender texture.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Pie Crust

Homemade Chicken Broth

Homemade Chicken Broth. Photo credit: Stetted.

Save money and reduce waste by making your own flavorful chicken broth—great for soups, stews, and sauces.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Chicken Broth

Apple Pie Spice

Apple Pie Spice. Photo credit: Stetted.

A warm, fragrant spice blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and more, perfect for pies, oatmeal, and fall baking.
Get the Recipe: Apple Pie Spice

How to Roast Peppers

How to Roast Peppers. Photo credit: Stetted.

Master the technique for roasting poblano, bell, and other peppers to add smoky, deep flavor to your recipes.
Get the Recipe: How to Roast Peppers

Italian Seasoning

Italian Seasoning. Photo credit: Stetted.

A classic blend of dried herbs that brings the perfect Italian touch to pasta, pizza, and marinades.
Get the Recipe: Italian Seasoning

How to Freeze Tomatoes

How to Freeze Tomatoes. Photo credit: Stetted.

The easiest way to preserve tomatoes for soups, sauces, and stews—no peeling or blanching required!
Get the Recipe: How to Freeze Tomatoes

The BEST Steak Rub (Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grill)

The BEST Steak Rub (Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grill). Photo credit: Foodie and Wine.

A bold, smoky steak rub inspired by Bobby Flay, packed with spices for maximum flavor in every bite.
Get the Recipe: The BEST Steak Rub (Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grill)

How to Dry Basil

How to Dry Basil. Photo credit: Stetted.

Keep the fresh taste of basil all year long with this simple drying guide using four easy methods.
Get the Recipe: How to Dry Basil

Homemade Taco Seasoning

Homemade Taco Seasoning. Photo credit: Stetted.

Ditch the store-bought packets and make your own taco seasoning for fresher, more flavorful tacos.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Taco Seasoning

Beef Rub

Beef Rub. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

A robust spice blend designed to enhance the natural flavors of beef, ideal for grilling or smoking.
Get the Recipe: Beef Rub

Homemade Vegetable Stock

Homemade Vegetable Stock. Photo credit: Stetted.

Use kitchen scraps to make a homemade vegetable stock that’s rich in flavor and perfect for soups or risottos.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Vegetable Stock

How to Dry Chives

How to Dry Chives. Photo credit: Stetted.

Preserve fresh chives with this easy drying method for an economical way to add flavor year-round.
Get the Recipe: How to Dry Chives

Balsamic Vinaigrette

Balsamic Vinaigrette. Photo credit: Stetted.

A simple, homemade balsamic dressing made with pantry staples—perfect for salads, marinades, and veggies.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Vinaigrette

How to Dry Herbs

How to Dry Herbs. Photo credit: Stetted.

A beginner-friendly guide to drying fresh herbs at home, helping you preserve flavor while saving money.
Get the Recipe: How to Dry Herbs

How to Dry Oregano

How to Dry Oregano. Photo credit: Stetted.

Preserve oregano’s fresh, bold flavor for months using simple drying methods at home.
Get the Recipe: How to Dry Oregano

How to Dry Thyme

How to Dry Thyme. Photo credit: Stetted.

Extend the life of fresh thyme with these drying techniques—perfect for soups, roasts, and seasoning blends.
Get the Recipe: How to Dry Thyme

Pork Dry Rub Recipe

Pork Dry Rub Recipe. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

A smoky, savory dry rub that enhances pork chops, ribs, and roasts for bold, barbecue-ready flavor.
Get the Recipe: Pork Dry Rub Recipe

Pickling Spice

Pickling Spice. Photo credit: Stetted.

A versatile pickling spice mix that adds tangy, aromatic flavor to homemade pickled veggies and brines.
Get the Recipe: Pickling Spice

How to Freeze Rhubarb

How to Freeze Rhubarb. Photo credit: Stetted.

Lock in rhubarb’s fresh, tart flavor by freezing it for easy use in pies, sauces, and smoothies year-round.
Get the Recipe: How to Freeze Rhubarb

Easy Apricot BBQ Sauce

Easy Apricot BBQ Sauce. Photo credit: Blackberry Babe.

A sweet and tangy apricot BBQ sauce that pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, ribs, or burgers.
Get the Recipe: Easy Apricot BBQ Sauce

Easy Smoked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe (Dry Rub)

Easy Smoked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe (Dry Rub). Photo credit: Blackberry Babe.

These smoky, dry-rubbed drumsticks are perfectly seasoned and slow-smoked for juicy, flavorful bites.
Get the Recipe: Easy Smoked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe (Dry Rub)

Smoked Beef Rub (Dry Rub)

Smoked Beef Rub (Dry Rub). Photo credit: Blackberry Babe.

A bold, smoky blend of paprika, garlic, and brown sugar that enhances steaks, briskets, and ribs.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Beef Rub (Dry Rub)