Makes 1 1/4 cups (enough to season 5 to 10 pounds of meat, poultry, or seafood)

1/3 cup kosher, sea or regular salt

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

1/4 cup paprika

2 tbsp ground black pepper

2 tbsp dried oregano

2 tbsp dried thyme leaves

1 tbsp cayenne or other pepper, (optional)

 

Directions

In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients, using your hands to break up the sugar. Package in a bottle or jar with stopper or hard plastic container with recipe and ribbon (as in flavored vinegar) and encourage recipients to store mixture away from heat and light, up to 6 months.