58 Reviews of Emeril Lagasse's Essence

From: Rod Smith

On Apr 26, 2004

I’ve enjoyed everyone’s positive comments about Essence. I agree 100%. I plan to share them with my customers. However, here is another thought for those who have heart and high blood pressure problems.. Omit the SALT! I had folks coming in and buying their spices to make their own Essence, from the Internet recipe. Having been in the business for 21 years, I figured that for every person who will make their own batch, 25 to 30 won’t take the time. I was right. I started offering our SALT FREE version, and it is the jar that I refill the most, out of over 150 jars of herbs and spices. I had to scale up the recipe to make it in pounds, That is when I found out the recipe on the Internet is 43% SALT, by weight! I like the NO SALT version so much that I take it with me when I eat out. I carry it in my pocket, in brass camper matchbox. One of the chains has a broiled fish lunch that they put Blackened seasoning on. It is way over on salt. We just tell them to make it without salt, and we shake on some of our essence. Perfect! Try NO SALT essence on French Fries that are SALT FREE. Also, try Hungarian Paprika in the recipe, instead of Sweet or Domestic Paprika. It is better. You can add other herbs and spices of your choice to make you own customized essence. Use it to cook with or at the table. Use it as an “all-purpose seasoning”. Add some Chili Powder and you have Emeril’s “Southwest Seasoning”.Enjoy.

From: Graybert

On Mar 10, 2002

I have been looking for this for quite some time - thank-you for posting this. I made this last week and used it last night on chicken breasts that we grilled on the BBQ - terrific!! Truly a "Bamm" experience!

From: Pot Scrubber

On Dec 23, 2005

A very good seasoning. It really is. However, when i put enough of the mixture on for the spiciness I want... it is too salty. Cut down on the salt by at LEAST half. With all that salt... I have to use it too sparingly for my liking. But it doesn't stop me from sprinkling it on everything from chicken to fried potatos! Just cut down (or even omit) the salt and add that separately.

From: SueB-SueB

On Feb 2, 2008

Mmm! I use this alot. I seem to sprinkle it on anything! Very good. I did reduce cayenne to 1 tbl and its still got the BAM! Thanks!

From: DoQu Russell

On Apr 23, 2002

Wow! right on the button with this one - thanks for sharing!

From: xanthous pink

On Feb 24, 2003

Thank-you so much for this recipe. My husband likes things spicy and I like a little, and this is perfect for both of us! The smell and taste of it is just so wonderful. Thank you Lennie and thank you Emeril!

From: JustJanS

On Apr 21, 2004

I have no idea what the "real" stuff tastes like, but you saved my soup tonight Lennie with this recipe. I found a recipe needing Essence of Emeril, and thought that there ought to be a copycat version here on 'zaar, and there was! Thanks heaps.

From: Denise!

On Jun 28, 2004

I've been grilling a lot of chicken pieces using the Essence, but at $3.99 per bottle, it gets a little pricey, so I decided to try this recipe. I used a BIT more cayenne and I used kosher salt. I really liked the efffect of the kosher salt and I think I prefer this recipe over Emeril's! Very, very good. Try marinating chicken pieces liberally coated in this and then grill. Outstanding! Thanks for sharing, Lennie!

From: Beautiful BC

On Apr 8, 2008

Great spice mixture - have no clue if it's cheaper than buying premade creole seasoning but its big plus is no added sugar which most brands seem to have.

From: Bev

On May 7, 2003

Lennie, I'm so glad I ran across your recipe! I almost bought Emeril's Essence yesterday in the store, but now I have the recipe . This mixture smells heavenly and I can't wait to actually try it out! Thank you for sharing this with us, Lennie!