Making Do

This time of year people are making yummy, spicy goodies.  I had a hankering for some pumpkin-raisin muffins and the recipe I used called for pumpkin pie spice, of course.  Thing is, the pumpkin pie spice I had in the cupboard was really old and smelled more like dirt than savory spices.

I didn't have time to run to the store for a measly little container of pumpkin pie spice.  Besides, how many times in a year does one use that particular spice?  So my little head went to work and it figured out that pumpkin pie spice is a mixture of many spices, and hey, couldn't I find out how to make my own?

Yes! 

If you want to whip up a little pumpkin pie spice once a year for that Thanksgiving pie it is possible, assuming you have some basic spices in your cupboard.  Here's how it goes...

2 Tbsp ground cinnamon
2 Tbsp ground ginger
1 Tbsp nutmeg
1 tsp ground allspice

Another variation is...

2 Tbsp ground cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp ground ginger
1 1/2 tsp nutmeg
1 1/2 tsp ground clove

These recipes can be increased or decreased easily, according to your needs. 

Now I don't have to spend that extra money on a "spice" that I may or may not only use once or twice a year.  I'm always looking for ways to save a buck or two, aren't you?

By the way, the muffins were delish!

Photograph compliments of delawareonline.com.