Ingredients

makes 10 teaspoons

　　1 tablespoon plus

　　1 teaspoon chili powder

　　2 teaspoons ground cumin

　　2 teaspoons brown sugar

　　1 teaspoon dried oregano

　　1 teaspoon coarse salt

　　

Step 1

In a small bowl, mix all ingredients. The brown sugar will caramelize slightly when cooked, giving foods a sweet, tasty glaze.Try it on whole chicken or turkey, pork (tenderloin or chops), and most cuts of beef.

　　

making rubs

Step 2

Almost any herbs or spices that are frequently combined, such as those in Italian seasonings or curry mixtures, can be made into a rub. Just add some salt (and sometimes sugar) to heighten the flavor.

　　

how to use

Step 3

Rubs should coat foods lightly. Use your fingers to rub the mixture on the meat, using about one teaspoon for every three quarters of a pound. Unlike most marinades, which often require soaking overnight, rubs can be applied just before cooking or up to several hours ahead.

　　

the right rub

Step 4

Which rub to use depends on the food you’re preparing. The heartier the food, the stronger the rub should be. A piquant rub made with paprika and other spices is a good match for rich-tasting salmon. Chicken breasts, on the other hand, go better with a milder herb mix.

　　

How to store

Step 5

A jar with a tight-fitting lid is good for mixing and storing. Dry rubs will keep for up to six months in a cool, dark place, so you can double or triple the recipes if you like. Wet rubs, such as Lemon-Herb Rub, should be refrigerated and will keep up to a week. Make sure to label and date the containers.

　　Reprinted with permission from Everyday Food: Great Food Fast by Martha Stewart Living Magazine. Copyright © 2007 by Martha Stewart Living Magazine. Published by Crown Publishing Group. All Rights Reserved.Martha Stewart Living magazine was first published in 1990. Over the years, more than two dozen books have been published by the magazine's editors.Martha Stewart is the author of dozens of best-selling books on cooking, entertaining, gardening, weddings, and decorating. She is the host of The Martha Stewart Show, the successful daily syndicated television show.