Quick Gift Idea - All Purpose Spice Rub

Need a quick, thoughtful, and homemade gift for Christmas (or any other occasion)? This spice rub is a perfect stocking stuffer or gift for your kids' teachers or a guy in your life (brother, dad, uncle, etc). The rub takes less than 5 minutes to make and you can really dress it up in cute packaging. I used a flat-sided glass spice jar from Sur la Table, made my own label on sticker paper (ignore my not-so-pretty handwriting), and tied a festive ribbon around the top for a finishing touch. A reader pointed out that the same jars are also available at Ikea for less moolah.

All-Purpose Spice Rub

From Everyday Food July/August 2006

Yield - 1 1/4 cups, or 5-10 pounds meat, poultry, seafood

• 1/3 cup coarse salt
• 1/4 cup packed light-brown sugar
• 1/4 cup paprika
• 2 tablespoons ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons dried thyme leaves
• 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper (optional)

1. In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients, using your hands to break up the sugar. Store in an airtight container, away from heat and light, up to 6 months.