Pickling Spice

2 T. whole black peppercorns
3 inches cinnamon sticks, total length
2 T. dill seeds
1 T. red hot pepper flakes
1 T. mustard seeds, any color
1 T. coriander seeds
1 T. celery seeds
4 bay leaves
1 T. dried thyme leaves
1 T. ground ginger
2 t. whole allspice berries
1 t. whole cloves
1 T. mace powder (optional)
1/2 t. cardamom seeds (optional)
1 T. juniper berries, smashed (optional)
2 star anise pods, smashed (optional)

Put the cinnamon sticks and peppercorns in a plastic bag and smash them with a meat tenderizer or a hammer.  Crumble the bay leaves into flakes about 1/8" size.  Mix all the ingredients together and store in a tight jar.