Make Your Own Pumpkin Pie Spice

Thanksgiving is the one holiday I always host, and it looks like we're going to be having a larger than normal group this year. That makes me very happy.

One thing I won't be buying this year is pre-mixed poultry seasoning. It's much smarter to use the spices I already have on hand to mix my own poultry seasoning. In fact, when it comes to many spice mixes, I've learned that I don't need to buy them. I can create my own using what's on already in my spice rack.

Another spice mix that's used frequently during the fall is pumpkin pie spice. It's simple to mix your own spices to create it instead of spending money on a container of pre-mixed pumpkin pie spice. Here's the simple recipe. The ingredients that I note can be left out are not in the standard McCormick's pumpkin pie spice, so if you're looking to recreate that, leave out the cloves and cardamom.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves (can be left out)
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice
• A pinch cardamom (can be left out)

Directions

1. Thoroughly mix all ingredients together and store in an airtight container until needed. A well-washed glass jelly or other type of jar with a screw-on lid is perfect for storing your own spice mixes.
2. Once you've made your own pumpkin pie spice, you can use it in pumpkin pie, of course, but there are many other uses (ahem, lattes) for your homemade spice mix.