My great-grandmother Kittie Mae born the year my undergraduate alma mater, Fort Valley State University was founded. She reared four girls, two boys, and few of her grandchildren in a small but loving home on her farm. When her husband died, she kept her family going through hard work, faith, and a wisdom that still informs her descendants to this day. My great grandmother’s kitchen was more than a place to cook and feed her family—it was a place where laughter, lessons, and unconditional love were always on the table. Anyone who was hungry could get a delicious meal, and she always had room at her table for one more.

When I created Grandma Kittie Mae’s House Blend, a few months ago, my intention was to capture that same spirit of the welcome table. I wanted something that would work as a marinade, an in process cooking blend, and a table blend. A true all purpose. And while Juke’s is still my go to, sometimes you just want to add a little something extra to your meal before you enjoy it. This all-purpose seasoning strikes a beautiful balance between the savory aromatics that hit your nose when you walk in a real cook’s kitchen, a necessary kick of peppers to keep your tastebuds guessing, and just the right touch of salt to bring it all together. It’s a simple natural blend that’s versatile enough to be used at any point in the cooking process—whether you’re marinating chicken or just giving your eggs a little love at breakfast. It’s also available in a salt-free version, because good flavor doesn’t have to run up your blood pressure.

More than a seasoning, it’s a tribute. It’s homage. It’s gratitude for every delicious meal I’ve had on the family farm, and every delicious meal I’ve made from the recipes she passed down. Every sprinkle is a reminder of the meals that shaped me, the wisdom that grounds me, and the belief that food has the power to connect us all. With Grandma Kittie Mae’s House Blend, I’m inviting you to bring a little of that love into your own kitchen—because home is never too far away when it’s seasoned with care.

Let's cook a little something, shall we?

 

Mrs. Root's Skillet Potatoes

Serves: 4–6
Prep Time:  About 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 pounds Yukon Gold or red potatoes, cut into ½-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ½ medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped ( I sometimes use different colored ones to keep it interesting)
• 1 teaspoon Mrs. Root's Juke's All Purpose Blend (or the Salt-Free version)
• 1 teaspoon Mrs. Root's Grandma Kittie Mae's House Blend (or the Salt-Free version)
• 1 teaspoon Mrs. Root's Vegetable Bouillon
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra color)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste (if needed)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Optional: shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, sliced green onions

Instructions

Wash and cube the potatoes. Leave the skins on for extra flavor and texture.

Place the potatoes in a pot of salted water and boil for 5–7 minutes until just barely tender. Drain well and let them steam dry for a few minutes. (This helps create a crispy exterior.)

Heat the olive oil and butter in a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Note: I used the bacon grease that was left after I cooked the bacon, but you don't have to. 

Add the onions and peppers, and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Garlic burns quickly.

At this point I took those veggies out and sprinkled the pan with:

1 teaspoon Juke's All Purpose Blend

1 teaspoon Grandma Kittie Mae's House Blend

1 teaspoon Mrs. Root's Vegetable Bouillon

This helps opens up the flavors of the ingredients of the blends so much better.

Add your potatoes in a single layer. Cook without stirring for 4–5 minutes to develop a golden crust. Turn and continue cooking, stirring only occasionally, for another 12–15 minutes until the potatoes are crispy on all sides. Add your peppers back once the potatoes once they're done to your liking. 

 

 

Note: The images I used are from cooking a small batch of potatoes for myself. I didn't really want them super crispy because I wanted to take a nap after I ate and needed something a little more comforting. 

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Finish with fresh parsley, cheese, and or green onions. I eat mine with avocado. 

Optional Variations

• Breakfast Skillet: Add a eggs, pepper jack cheese and serve with sausage or bacon. Add a little avocado like I did. 
• Loaded Skillet Potatoes: Add cheddar cheese, bacon crumbles, sour cream, and green onions.
• Garden Skillet: Stir in bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini during the last 8 minutes of cooking.
• Steakhouse Style: Serve alongside grilled steak seasoned with Grandpa Gus' Steakhouse Blend.

Mrs. Root's Kitchen Tip

The secret to restaurant-style skillet potatoes is parboiling them first, letting them dry, and resisting the urge to stir too often. I always stir them too often if I'm not cooking other things. Let them sit long enough to develop that beautiful golden crust before flipping.

Let's get to some FAQ's and Answers about Grandma Kittie Mae's House Blend

 

What is Grandma Kittie Mae's House Blend?

Grandma Kittie Mae's House Blend is a savory, all-purpose seasoning made with a carefully balanced blend of vegetables, herbs, and aromatics. It's designed to bring rich, homemade flavor to everyday cooking with just a sprinkle.

What does it taste like?
It has a bright, savory flavor with layers of herbs and aromatic vegetables. Think of it as the flavor foundation you'd get from slowly cooking onions, garlic, celery, and herbs—without the extra prep work.

What can I use Grandma Kittie Mae's House Blend on?
Almost everything! It's perfect for:

• Chicken, beef, pork, seafood, and vegetables
• Soups, stews, and chili
• Rice, pasta, and potatoes
• Omelets
• Marinades
• Salad dressings
• Dips
• Roasted vegetables
• Homemade bread and compound butter
• Popcorn and roasted nuts

Can I cook with it or is it just a finishing seasoning?
Both! Use it while cooking to build flavor or sprinkle it over finished dishes for an extra burst of savory goodness.

Can I use it on salads?
Definitely. Sprinkle a little over fresh salads or whisk it into homemade vinaigrettes for extra flavor.

Is Grandma Kittie Mae's House Blend spicy?
No. It focuses on savory herbs, vegetables, and aromatics rather than heat. It's flavorful without being spicy.

Does it contain salt?
Grandma Kittie Mae's House Blend is available in both a regular version and a salt-free version, so you can choose the option that best fits your cooking style and dietary needs.

Why would I choose the salt-free version?
The salt-free blend lets you enjoy all the rich herb and vegetable flavor while controlling exactly how much salt goes into your meals. It's great for anyone watching sodium or who prefers to season to taste.

Can I substitute it for fresh herbs and aromatics?
While fresh ingredients always have their place, Grandma Kittie Mae's House Blend is a great shortcut when you're short on time. It adds layers of flavor without all the chopping.

How much should I use?
Start with about 1 teaspoon per pound of meat or ½ teaspoon for every two servings of vegetables, soups, or side dishes. Adjust to your taste.

Is it good for meal prep?
Yes! It makes weekly meal prep faster by adding consistent, homemade flavor to proteins, vegetables, grains, and casseroles.

Can I use it as an everyday seasoning?
That's exactly what it was created for. Keep it by the stove or on your table—it was made to be your go-to house seasoning.

What makes Grandma Kittie Mae's House Blend different from other all-purpose seasonings?
Instead of relying on one dominant flavor, Grandma Kittie Mae's House Blend is built around vegetables, herbs, and aromatics that work together to enhance food rather than overpower it. It brings the comforting taste of home cooking to almost any dish.