Garam Masala is a pungent combination of ground spices used in Indian and South Asian cuisines.  The phrase means “hot mixture.” But the heat is more like intense flavor as opposed to hot like a chili pepper. Authentic preparation includes roasting then grinding a mixture of many spices such as black & white peppercorns, cloves, cumin seed, coriander seed and cinnamon. Regional preparations vary and can also include bay leaves, cardamon, nutmeg and star anise. If you don’t know where to begin, purchase a jar of Garam Masala spice combination at your local grocery store in the spice section.      Cook, Eat, Laugh…Claudia