Homemade Mixed Pickling Spice
According to the old newspaper article, after a number of brands of commercial mixed pickling spice were analyzed, the below recipe was developed.
4 Cinnamon sticks, each about 3 inches long
1 dried ginger root, 1 inch long
2 Tablespoons yellow mustard seed
2 teaspoons whole allspice
2 teaspoons whole black pepper (peppercorns)
2 teaspoons whole cloves
2 teaspoons dill seed
2 teaspoons coriander seed
2 teaspoons whole mace, crumbled medium fine
8 bay leaves, crumbled medium fine
1 whole red pepper, 1 1/2 inches long (chopped medium fine)
Wrap cinnamon sticks and ginger root in clean cloth - an old dish towel is fine.
Pound with a mallet or hammer untill finely crumbled; stringy portion of ginger may be discarded. Add to the remaining ingredients and thoroughly stir together. Store in a container with a tight fitting top.
Makes 2/3 cup.
Source: Mar 1976 newspaper, Cecily Brownstone Associated Press Food Edtior column. (found in the Google newspaper archive).