Chef Bihi Pain d’Épices (Spiced Bread)
Rather than picking up spiced bread from the supermarket, why not embark on a delightful baking adventure? This delicious treat graces our tables during the festive season, and making it yourself is not only rewarding but also an expression of love and creativity. Gather your ingredients and get ready to create a delightful masterpiece that you can decorate in countless ways! It’s perfect for baking with children, and I’ll even share a fun idea for a reindeer-shaped creation. Enjoy!
Recipe Information
- Servings: 8-10 slices
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm whole milk from local farms
- 125 g honey from local beekeepers
- 250 g flour from a local mill (for example, from Val Dieu)
- 1 teaspoon green anise (from a spice shop)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder or natural leaven
- The zest of one untreated orange
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and honey, stirring until the honey is fully dissolved.
- Add the flour, anise, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and orange zest to the mixture. Stir until you have a smooth batter.
- Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool for a few minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, decorate as desired. Consider creating a festive reindeer shape for a fun twist!
Notes
For optimal flavor, let the bread sit for a day before slicing; it allows the spices to deepen. Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Recipe Tips
- You can substitute honey with maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
- Experiment with other spices like nutmeg or clove for a unique twist.
- For a richer flavor, add chopped nuts or dried fruits to the batter.
Nutritional Information
Approximately 200 calories per slice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I make Pain d’épices ahead of time?
- Absolutely! This spiced bread can be made a day in advance to enhance its flavors.
- What is the best way to store Pain d’épices?
- Store it in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it fresh.
- Can I use whole wheat flour instead of white flour?
- Yes, whole wheat flour can be used, but it may alter the texture slightly.
- Is it possible to freeze Pain d’épices?
- Yes, it freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in a freezer bag.
- Can I add variations like nuts or chocolate chips?
- Definitely! Adding nuts or chocolate chips can add extra flavor and texture.
