Le pain d'épices

I noticed that as I tend to get overwhelmed, I enjoy escaping into the kitchen. It seems that my kitchen becomes my refuge. As many I am certain, when stressed I seek safety by returning to my childhood. Yesterday as I recalled fond memories at my paternal grandmother, I remembered as a young child enjoying thick yummy slices of "pain d'épices" - traditionally a cake from the region of Alsace-Lorraine. Anyhow, I decided to bake one, mine is currently in the oven as I am typing. I had the recipe in french hence the measurements in grams. I attempted my best at converting them into cups equivalent. It is traditionally a cake enjoyed in the winter and especially around Christmas, though I find it to be a nice alternative to pumpkin pie or pecan pie around Thanksgiving. I have made some with pecans, though the original recipe does not call for pecans.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup honey
• 2 tbsp hot water
• 3/4 cup flour (though you can go a bit over as 200 g)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (50 g casonnade)
• spices according to your taste buds (I use apple spices mix (cinnamon, nutmeg, anis))
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp baking soda
• 1 egg

• 1/2 cup halves pecans (optional)

Set oven at 370 degree Fahrenheit. Into a bowl, using the hot water to smooth the honey then incorporate the flour, mix well as to avoid forming lumps.  Add to the mix the baking soda, brown sugar, vanilla, mix well then  add the egg. Pour smooth batter into a cake pan, bake for 30-35 minutes. 

Note: I cannot describe the divine smell sipping from the oven. I just had a peek, I must admit as the smell hits my nostrils, I was flooded with childhood memories: I am back in my grandmother's living room/dining room (small apartments in Paris) and I cannot await to bite late into a slice. I suppose this is what I enjoy most about baking or cooking. Not only does it feel magical to me, from various ingredients blended together comes extraordinary "délices" but it also seems that some sweets or meals can transport you back in times. I hope you'll enjoy it too.