6 star anise

1 1/2 teaspoons whole cloves

1 stick cinnamon

2 tablespoons fennel seeds.

Put all ingredients in a spice or coffee grinder and grind to a fine powder. Store in a tightly covered opaque container for up to several months.

Yield: About 1/4 cup.

1 teaspoon black peppercorns

2 teaspoons dried thyme

1 teaspoon cayenne, or to taste

1 tablespoon paprika

1 tablespoon sugar

1 tablespoon salt

2 teaspoons minced garlic

2 teaspoons minced ginger (or 2 teaspoons ground ginger).

1. Put allspice, nutmeg, peppercorns and thyme in a spice or coffee grinder and grind to a fine powder.

2. Mix in remaining ingredients and use immediately. To use later, omit garlic and ginger and store in a tightly covered container; add garlic and ginger immediately before using.

Yield: About 1/4 cup.