Prosper... c'est le roi du pain d'epices!

Translated: "Prosper... it's the king of the spices bread!". Ok, that doesn't sound nearly as interesting in english, and most of you must be wondering what the hell I'm going on about. "Pain d'epices" is the french equivalent to the english ginger bread, but with other spices thrown in the mix. I loved it as a kid. The popular store bought version had a big brown bear called Prosper and a song every french kid will remember...

Anyway, I've been using the following recipe for a while and every time it brings back those fond childhood memories... like the famous madeleine of Proust. It's super simple and can be whipped up in 20mn, no kidding.

Pain d'epices:
- 250g manuka honey or other strong flavoured honey
- 10cl milk
- 100g butter, melted
- 200g flour
- 1/2 pack baking powder (about 3 tsp I think, or 7g)
- 50g sugar (you can omit this if you don't want it too sweet)
- 1 egg
- pinch of salt
- 1tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp cardamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg

Preaheat oven to 180ºC.
Warm the milk in a pot on low heat, then add honey and butter. Once it's all melted, leave aside to cool. Meanwhile mix flour, baking powder, salt and spices. Add the liquid mix and the egg. Mix until the batter is smooth.
Pour the batter in a greased loaf tin. Cook at 180ºC for about 30-35mn, or until a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Slice and eat warm, on its own or with butter, jam, chutney,...