Cooking For Engineers

[JDR]

I received a nice spice grinder for Christmas. Could anyone please share a spice mix that I can grind in the new toy? I'm pretty new to spices. Thanks

[Pie_Designs]

5 Spice Powder is used in Chinese cooking to flavour meat and poultry dishes.

- 2 Tbsp black peppercorns
- 3 star anise
- 2 tsp fennel seeds
- Two 3-inch cinnamon sticks, broken into small pieces
- 6 whole cloves


In a small pan, toast peppercorns over medium heat until they become fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes. Shake pan often to prevent burning. Remove to a bowl. Repeat toasting process separately with star anise, fennel seeds, cinnamon, and cloves.

Pour all of the toasted spices into a spice grinder and grind to a fine powder. Let rest in the grinder for 1 minute, then transfer to a glass container and tighten lid. Store in a cool, dark place up to one month.
This will give you about 1/4 cup.

Have a look at this great spice reference chart, I'm sure you'll get some great ideas depending on your tastes.

http://homecooking.about.com/library/weekly/blspicemix.htm

Happy Grinding