Fall has officially, although a tad late, arrived! Whether you are starting to plan your Thanksgiving feast, or anxiously awaiting that invitation to bring a dish to a holiday gathering – you’ll want to be ready to impress. To help you get a head start, we are sharing the perfect “secret recipe” that will make your dish the talk of the party.

This Eleven-Spice Tea Rub is perfect on chicken, pork, beef, and game for grilling or roasting. It can also be added to braising liquids, soups, chutneys, or even ketchup for an easy burger sauce.

Next time you’re cooking, try using the Eleven-Spice Tea Rub to add a special “kick” to your meal. It’s fantastic!

Recipe by Cynthia Gold, Tea Magazine

Ingredients (Makes ¾ Cup of Spice)

5 tbs finely ground full-bodied Teatulia black tea leaves

1/4 cup (packed) light brown sugar
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp curry powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground red pepper flakes or ground Szechuan peppercorns
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/2 tsp ground star anise or anise seed
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp ground fennel seed
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground mace

Directions

1. Grind the tea using a spice grinder or a mortar and pestle.

2. Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl, mixing well until thoroughly combined.

The spice blend will retain its flavor for up to two months, kept at room temperature in an airtight container.