📖 Instructions

1. Gather your equipment and ingredients. Make sure everything is within easy reach. This will prevent unnecessary interruptions and frustration!
2. If using whole peppercorns, start by measuring out the amount you need. You can adjust this based on your desired level of spiciness and the size of your dish. Remember personal preference is key!
3. Using your hands or a clean spoon, gently place the peppercorns in the mortar. Avoid overfilling, as this could make grinding less efficient. A good rule of thumb is to leave room for the pestle to maneuver comfortably.
4. Holding the mortar firmly with one hand, begin to grind the peppercorns with a circular motion using the pestle. Apply steady, gentle pressure initially, gradually increasing the pressure as needed. Grind until your desired consistency is achieved.
5. If you prefer a finer grind, continue to grind until you get a fine powder. For a coarser texture, stop grinding before a fine powder forms. Once again, preference is key!
6. Once the grinding is done, carefully transfer the ground black pepper into a small bowl. Use a clean spoon or spatula to prevent spilling and ensure you get all of it. This is important for food safety and to avoid waste.
7. Store any leftover pepper in an airtight container in a cool, dark, and dry place to preserve its flavor and aroma. Freshly ground pepper is amazing; let’s preserve it!
8. Now that you have freshly ground black pepper, get creative! Use it to season your favorite dishes or create your own unique spice blends. There's no limit to what you can do!