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1
Heat the oven to 300u00b0 F and line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Spread the cardamom pods over the sheet, then bake for 10 to 15 minutes, checking after 8. You want the green of the pods to have faded to an olive hue-but you don't want them to turn brown! Remove from the heat and let cool. The toasted pods can be stored in a cool, dry place for up to 1 month.
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2
Grind the cardamom pods in a clean spice grinder or mortar and pestle. You want a fine powder. You can store the ground cardamom pods in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 1 week.
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3
To make cardamom-sugar, mix together the sugar and 1 1/2 teaspoons of the ground cardamom. Add salt and stir to combine. Taste and adjust the quantities of sugar, cardamom, and salt to your liking.
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4
Heat the oven to 350u00b0 F. Ready a baking sheet or two (enough to fit the bread slices.) Spread the bread with the cream cheese, being generous and spreading all the way to the edges, then sprinkle with the cardamom-sugar.
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5
Bake for 10 minutes, then broil until golden-brown and bubbling, watching closely!
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6
Serve with roasted, sauteed, or raw apples, if you'd like. I used this technique from Deborah Madison for buttery, caramelized rings that sit nicely on toast.
