Using herbs is a delicious way to season dishes and cut the amount of salt needed for flavor, too. Although fresh herbs need to be used immediately, dried herb mixtures can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container.

The easiest way to dry fresh herbs is to put the baking sheet in an oven at 200 to 225°F for 1 hour. Blends made from whole seeds or leaves usually need to be coarsely ground in a spice grinder or small food processor prior to using.

Try mixing up a few different spice blends to have on hand. Making your own blends saves time and money. Herbs and spices have no significant caloric value, and since they are made without salt, there is no sodium.