garam masala

An Indian/Pakistani spice blend, which varies widely in composition. Here is one recipe:

In a grinder or mortar and pestle (if you're patient), combine

• 1 tablespoon of cardamom seeds (not pods, seeds)
• a 1-inch stick of cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon whole black cumin seeds (use whole regular cumin seeds as a substitute)
• 1 tsp whole cloves
• 1 tsp black peppercorns
• approx 1/3 of an average-sized nutmeg

Grind until powdery. Like i said, you'd better have a real heavy mortar and pestle and a lot of time if you're going to do it by hand. Gotta love the combination of spicy and sweet. Smells great.