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Versatile and tasty mixed spice can be made or bought ready mixed. It can be used in everything from Christmas pudding to mincemeat to simple cake recipes. It’s also delicious sprinkled on a hot chocolate or a cappuccino. It can even be given as a gift if you have a favourite mix that a friend has praised. There is no standard rule for the ratios of spices so feel free to change them to feature the spices to suit your needs and tastes. Here is our take on mixed spice.

Makes up to 10 servings and will take less than five minutes to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• 2 2bsp ground cinnamon
• 1 1/2 tbsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp ground cloves

TO MAKE: This is the good bit. Put everything in a jar big enough to allow some space at the top and shake. Your mixed spice should last two years in an airtight jar away from direct sunlight.

COOK’S TIP: Use freshest spices for the strongest flavour. Use ground spices for speed but you can always grind whole spices such as nutmeg or coriander seeds if you prefer. Store in a glass jar.