I can’t find my original garam masala mix, but this is fairly close to it. Some other mixes use bay leaves and grind them up, saffron, amchoor, etc. and omit star anise. I think the anise is crucial and I remember hand-making a cardamom + anise heavy masala years ago.

Unusual garam masala recipe that I have yet to try; It might suck but the amchoor in it is intriguing. I usually stick to the other recipe.