How did I manage so long without this magic seasoning? Spike Gourmet Natural Seasoning is a combination of 39 herbs, spices and seasoning!!! The ingredients include sea salt, mellow toasted onion, onion powder, orange powder, celery leaf powder, garlic powder, dill, indian curry, horseradish, orange and lemon peel, summer savory, sweet green and red peppers, Greek oregano, cayenne pepper.... many others. Very impressive! There is no MSG, which I like, because MSG gives me a headache, and Spike is gluten free.
Spike Seasoning was invented by the author of "Look Younger; Live Longer", Gayelord Hauser. He published this book in 1950, and was way ahead of his time. Known as the 'nutritionist to the stars', back in the 50's, his philosophy was that gourmet taste and good nutrition go hand-in-hand. He was basically the founder of the Natural Food Movement.
I found Spike in the spice aisle of Publix (actually Phil found it, the Chastain Publix I shop at didn't have it, so Phil found it at a different one). A 3 oz. jar is about $3. It transforms bland, boring food into zesty, tasty meals. My favorite way to use it, so far, has been to mix it in with cottage cheese...YUM! I also mixed it in my scrambled eggs, and it made typical scrambled eggs taste like something special. Be careful not to use too much. The first time I made eggs, I used too much Spike seasoning, and I couldn't eat them. I had to start all over again. I gave the eggs to the dogs, and they gobbled them up. Spike is a fairly strong seasoning mix, so start out light, and remember you can always add more. Another way I like Spike is sprinkled over freshly popped popcorn. I mix in a tablespoon or two of EVOO with the hot air-popped popcorn (air-popped is so much better than microwave popcorn...try it!), mix well, and sprinkle on Spike. That is a good movie night snack.
I have found recipes using Spike in stirfrys, meatloaf, grilled chicken, sloppy joes, chicken salad, salmon, beef, shrimp...almost anything. I think I am going to add it to some tuna later this week for a light meal. I was thinking a pouch of the albacore white tuna, some light Hellmans mayo, Spike, chopped celery, chopped red onion, chopped hard boiled egg on a bed of arugula. Get creative with it. If you come up with any exciting uses, post them in the comments section so we can all try them.
