Make your own Garam Masala - popular Indian spice mixture

When making this coconut shrimp curry recipe, I did not have garam masala in my cupboard. Here is a great spice mixture you can make to substitute.

1/2 tsp. cumin

1/2 tsp. paprika

1/3 tsp. cinnamon (I use Vietnamese cinnamon from Penzeys Spices - wonderful spices that make a huge difference in the flavor of your food. Their catalog alone offers great recipes. )

1 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper

1/4 tsp. crumbled bay leaf

1/8" ground cloves

You can double or triple the batch and store it in a small jar or air tight bag for future dishes.