Like almost everything else, homemade pumpkin pie spice mix is easy to make, more inexpensive, and a lot tastier when you make it yourself. It isn’t difficult at all, but I’d suggest you use the whole nutmeg and grate it yourself for the mix. The flavor will be much fresher. You can certainly use the ground kind if you want. I add chipotle powder because I like the extra, smoky spiciness it gives to pumpkin, but you can adjust the amounts or leave it out altogether if you like.
Try to get the freshest spices possible. We have a small natural foods store nearby that sells spices in bulk. The aroma that comes out of those jars is amazing and I think that it has made a huge difference in the flavor of my recipes.
If you are able to buy in bulk, just get as much as you will use in a month or so and keep it stored in an airtight, glass container. I like to use the computer to make labels on transparent stickers. That way I can have artisan spice jars with awesome fonts without actually having to spend a lot of money.
You’ll want to keep this recipe handy this fall.
Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice
Ingredients
Makes about  1/4 of a cup
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 3 teaspoons ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons freshly grated nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 – 1 teaspoon ground cloves (I like more because I love cloves)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon dried, ground chipotle, optional
Instructions
- Grate the nutmeg on a small grater.
- Mix all the ingredients together.
- Store in an airtight jar and use as desired.
photo credit: Marye Audet
