Gingerbread spice mix

My mother used to make gingerbread cookies every year for Christmas. It was the most magical thing. She took the spices, put them in coffee grinder and pressed the button. When the sound went on, I knew that gingerbread dough was in the process. This mix is something like hers, just a bit modified and, although, it is meant for gingerbread dough, it goes well with muffins, sponge cake, custard cream and so much more. And packaged nicely, I love to give it as a gift.

Ingredients
28 cloves
10 green cardamom pod seeds
2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp freshly ground nutmeg
20 allspice corns
4 tsp ginger powder
1 tsp vanilla powder
20 black pepper corns
zest of 2 organic oranges, finely grated
pinch of sea salt

Prepare

Place all of the ingredients, except orange peel, into blender and blend until it is almost like powder. Pack in airtight jar or use right away. If using right away, you can blend orange peel with rest of the ingredients. If you are using later, add it at that point.

Recipe and photos: Signe Meirane
Camera: Sony Alpha 7s