Salt-free spice mix. Basic to many cuisines of the Middle East, this ground spice mixture is formulated a little differently by every cook who uses it. Common ingredients include black pepper, allspice, paprika, sumac, cinnamon, nutmeg, cassia bark, coriander, cumin, and cardamom. Syrians use the aromatic blend to flavor stews (it is as good with chicken as it is with lamb) and ground meat mixtures. This is our version. * Contributed by Healthy Recipes for Diabetic Friends Y-Group * Source: Saveur, March 1997 * Formatted by Chupa Babi in MC: 05.21.06 * Makes about ¼ cup