Cardamom in cookies

[Randi]

I am planning on making cookies that call for 1/4 tsp of cardamom, but I was only able to find the whole pods.

I am wondering if I use my mortar and pestle to grind the seeds - will they be stronger in flavor and should I cut back on the amount I use in the recipe?

I am new to cardamom, so any advice would be welcome.

[Pontormo]

Randi, this should help..

It was one of a gazillion sites discovered with a quick google search, so you should be fine.

P.S. I am using this to plug the cardamom pistachio cookies I made from the Cookie Swap on Il Forno. (See Christmas Cookie thread.) Sooooooooooo good!!!!!

[tejon]

I almost never have ground cardamom on hand, but always have tons of pods. I grind the seeds in a mortar and pestle, or better yet, in my spice grinder, and use whatever amount was originally called for. The scent and flavor are just incredible when you grind it fresh.

[rhinopias]

I made cardamom butter cookies with an espresso and dark chocolate drizzle this year, and I would also recommend using the fresh ground spice. The flavor and aroma is incredible. You shouldn't need to cut back on the amount, infact I increased mine a little. Fantastic.

[kaneel]

I use my coffee grinder for a finer result to make cookies.

I also use it to flavor my black tea but i use them whole out of the pod along with some whole ceylon cinnamon ....is really good

Edited December 24, 2005 by kaneel (log)

[rgruby]

I almost never have ground cardamom on hand, but always have tons of pods. I grind the seeds in a mortar and pestle, or better yet, in my spice grinder, and use whatever amount was originally called for. The scent and flavor are just incredible when you grind it fresh.

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If using a spice grinder, do you remove the seeds first, or just chuck the whole pods in?

Thanks,

Geoff Ruby

[tejon]

I grind only the seeds. The outside of the pod doesn't really have much flavor and is very woody, even ground.

[Randi]

P.S.  I am using this to plug the cardamom pistachio cookies I made from the Cookie Swap on Il Forno.  (See Christmas Cookie thread.) Sooooooooooo good!!!!!

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hehe...this was one of the 2 recipes I snagged that use cardamom! They look gorgeous!

[Randi]

I almost never have ground cardamom on hand, but always have tons of pods. I grind the seeds in a mortar and pestle, or better yet, in my spice grinder, and use whatever amount was originally called for. The scent and flavor are just incredible when you grind it fresh.

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I only have a mortar and pestle, so I guess that's what I'll do.

Thanks for the advice!

[tejon]

Grinding them with a mortar and pestle isn't the quickest way, but it's really good for smaller amounts. Just make sure to clean everything out well afterwards, since the scent and flavor of cardamom really lingers (not that this is in any way a bad thing in general!).