Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
  12                    Guajillo chilies, stemmed and seeded
   8      cloves        garlic -- unpeeled
     1/2  inch          piece of stick cinnamon
   2                    cloves
   8                    black peppercorns
   2      teaspoons     salt
     1/2  teaspoon      dried oregano
     1/2  teaspoon      dried thyme
     1/8  teaspoon      cumin seeds
     1/2  cup           cider vinegar
                        juice of one lime

Preparation:

Place a heavy duty skillet over a medium flame and add the garlic cloves. Cook approximately 10 minutes, turning frequently. Remove garlic when soft and peel the cloves. Add the chilies to the skillet and toast briefly, about 15 seconds, on each side. Place the chilies in a bowl and cover them with boiling water, making sure all of the chilies are submerged. Let the chilies soak 30 minutes. Drain the chilies, discarding the soaking water. Pulverize the spices in a mortar or spice grinder. Place all ingredients (Chilies, garlic, spices, vinegar, and lime juice) in blender and pulse until smooth. Strain the paste through a medium sieve. This paste will keep indefinitely in the refrigerator. Variation: Use 8 ancho chilies instead of guajillos for a sweeter marinade.