I am a spice blend made up mainly of cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg, but mostly of a spice called mahlab. It is a spice that is made from ground cherry pits. It smells like almond and cherry, with a slight taste of anise. I am used in pastry making and especially in the preparation of "Maamoul" cookies, an ancient Arab dessert often served on special occasions. They are very popular in Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Israel and Palestine.

Ingredients: anise, fennel, cinnamon, nutmeg, mahlab, cardamom, cloves.