1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Place the mortar and pestle on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes.
  3. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.
  4. Place the pestle in a bowl and add water to cover by 1 inch. Add salt if desired. Use your hands to mix well and pour the mixture into the mortar, making sure all of the ingredients are well combined. Be sure to use a light hand when stirring, as too much force will cause the pestle to hit something hard and break it!
  5. Use your hands or an old spoon to push down on top of each ingredient until you have created a small hole in the center of the pestle’s handle (this is where you will put your thumb). Be careful not to overdo it – just enough pressure will do! Once you have created a small hole, use your thumb to push through it, then pull up on top of the hole with your other hand so that it closes again (you should now see another small hole in top). Repeat this process until all of your ingredients are used up!