Baharat Aka Middle East Mixed Spices - the Real Mix

For anyone who desires an authentic taste of the mid east. This recipe was learned by watching a good friend of mine in Jordan when she was grinding her family's monthly supply.

• Ready In: 10 mins
• Yields: 2 cups

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 cup whole black peppercorn
• 1⁄4 cup whole coriander seed
• 1⁄4 cup  cassia or 1⁄4 cup cinnamon bark
• 1⁄4 cup whole cloves
• 1⁄3 cup cumin seed
• 2  teaspoons  whole cardamom seeds
• 4  whole whole nutmegs
• 1⁄2 cup ground paprika

Directions

1. Basically, just place all the spices except the paprika and nutmeg in a blender or adequate grinder and process until it becomes a powder.
2. If necessary you can grind 1/2 cup at a time.
3. Grate the nutmeg and blend this with the paprika into the spices.
4. Store in an airtight jar.
5. Generally in some areas, they lightly toast the spices in an oven to bring out more flavor.
6. You can gain this also by putting the amount you're going to use, on a hot dry frypan and toast it for a few seconds before using.
7. This not only makes the kitchen smell good, but brings out a richer flavor of any spice.
8. *Note* You can also use ground spices, but using them whole is the authentic way.
9. Four nutmegs come to about 1/4 cup ground.
10. Be careful how much nutmeg you use; it's toxic in large doses.