YIELD | 45 MINI-CAKES OR 1 LOAF Pain d’épices—spice bread —is the French version of gingerbread It is usually made with flour, honey, and spices, and has a long shelf life because of its low water content and acidity The bread was traditionally known as a pain de voyage because it could be taken on long journeys for sustenance Armies as far back as the Middle Ages carried gingerbread on their campaigns Honey has been used in bread since Antiquity, but it was only during the Middle Ages that spices were introduced to Europe from the Middle East by the Crusaders We find references to gingerbread made with honey and spices by German bakers from Nuremberg as early as 1108 The bread became such a delicacy that priests had to ask their parishioners to refrain from eating too much of it Because the spices were also considered medicinal, doctors in the Middle Ages recommended gingerbread as a laxative and as a poultice for wounds For centuries gingerbread has been a celebration sweet bread in Alsace It is eaten throughout the year, but especially around St Nicolas Day and Christmas There are two types: one that is made from a firm dough that is rolled out and cut into shapes, and a soft batter that is baked like a pound cake I’ve decided on the second type for this collection, as the mix is versatile and gives you the choice of making either small cakelike cookies or a larger cake I’ve added candied fruit to the mixture, as it’s such a nice complement to the spices ... I’ve decided on the second type for this collection, as the mix is versatile and gives you the choice of making either small cakelike cookies or a larger cake I’ve added candied fruit to the mixture, as it’s such a nice... back as the Middle Ages carried gingerbread on their campaigns Honey has been used in bread since Antiquity, but it was only during the Middle Ages that spices were introduced to Europe from the Middle East by... had to ask their parishioners to refrain from eating too much of it Because the spices were also considered medicinal, doctors in the Middle Ages recommended gingerbread as a laxative and as a