Coriander-Scented Untoasted Blend

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons coriander seeds
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 1/2 teaspoon whole cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom seeds from green or white pods
• 2 dried bay leaves
• 3 or 4 dried red Thai or cayenne chiles
• to taste
• stems removed; or 1 teaspoon cayenne (ground red pepper)

Instructions

1. Place all the ingredients in a spice grinder or coffee grinder, and grind until the texture resembles that of finely ground black pepper.
2. Store the mixture in a tightly sealed container, away from excess light, heat, and humidity, for up to 2 months.
3. (In my opinion, refrigerating the blend adversely affects its flavors.)