With its sweet aroma and distinctive flavor, Pain D'Epice is a staple of traditional French pastry. Its warm, spicy taste evokes winter, the holiday season, and cozy evenings with family. They say that just one bite of this gingerbread is enough to warm the heart and soul!
This is an easy recipe for baking beginners or those who appreciate simple, authentic flavors. Whether for an afternoon snack or a gourmet gift, Pain D'Epice is sure to please everyone.
Ingredients
300g Honey
1tsp Vanilla essence
2Lge Eggs
~50ml Milk (as required)
1tsp Cinnamon
1tsp Ginger
1tsp Nutmeg
1tsp Ground aniseed
100g Caster sugar
150g Plain flour
100g Rye flour
1.5tsp Baking powder
4-6ea Crystallised ginger
Preparation Mixing (10 minutes):
- Preheat the oven to 140C Fan
- In a mixing bowl, mix the dry ingredients:
- 100g castor sugar,
- 150g plain flour,
- 100g rye flour,
- 1.5tsp baking powder,
- spices:
- 1tsp ground cinnamon,
- 1tsp ground ginger,
- 1tsp ground nutmeg,
- 1tsp ground aniseed
- Heat 300g honey in a plastic bowl in a microwave for 20-40 seconds until runny.
- Add 1tsp vanilla essence to the honey, and pour the hot mixture over the dry ingredients.
- Continue to mix, and add two whole large eggs.
- Finally, add milk until you obtain a smooth slightly runny homogeneous paste (not all the milk may be necessary).
Cooking
1. Butter a 2lb (24x16x6cm) loaf tin for an even rise, and pour in the mixture.
2. Cut the crystallised ginger into small pieces, and placed onto the mixture (you do not need to push them down).
3. Bake on the middle shelf in the oven for around 1 hour 20 minutes at 140C Fan (test with a wooden skewer which should come out dry).
Finishing
- Heat a little honey in the microwave, and brush the top of the loaf whilst the loaf is still hot.
- If possible, leave for 24 hours before eating.
Download in PDF: PainDEpice.pdf