Bodrum Mahaleb Powder, Mahlep Tozu in Turkish, is a fine, pale ground spice in a 50 g resealable pack from the Bodrum Spice Selection range; the front of the pack describes it as a 100% natural product. Mahaleb is traditionally made from the kernels of the St Lucie cherry (Prunus mahaleb) and has a distinctive aroma usually described as somewhere between bitter almond and cherry.
Mahlep is one of the most familiar scents of Turkish baking. It goes into çörek, poğaça, kandil simidi and festive bread doughs, as well as kurabiye and other cookies. A little goes a long way: about half to one teaspoon for a dough made with around 500 g of flour is usually enough, mixed into the dry ingredients so it spreads evenly.
Reseal the pack tightly after use. Ground spices gradually lose their aroma, so follow the storage guidance and best-before date printed on the pack.