Ground Mixed Spice

Our answer

Ground, mixed spice is common in British baking and is a mixture of several ground spices. It is particulary popular for winter and Christmas baking, such as Nigella's Christmas Cupcakes (from HOW TO BE A DOMESTIC GODDESS). It is predominantly cinnamon, and may include other spices such as coriander, nutmeg, allspice, ginger, cloves, mace and dill seed. In the US pumpkin pie spice is a good alternative.

If you want to make your own mixture then it may depend on what other spices are available to you but we would suggest starting, if possible, with 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, 2 teaspoons of ground coriander and 1 teaspoon each of ground nutmeg and ground ginger. If you can find ground allspice then add 1 teaspoon of this too and ½ teaspoon of ground cloves. Store the spice mixture in an airtight container in a cool, dry place and away from bright light. Please also note that ground allspice is not the same as ground mixed spice. Ground allspice is from the allspice berry, also known as pimenta or Jamaica pepper.