I love a good spice mix and the classic “quatres épices” is at the top of my list. Meaning, “four spices” in French, this traditional spice mix is a lively addition to both sweet and savory dishes–think soup, chocolate or a nice roast. It’s got just the right amount of kick, thanks to the pepper; and the perfect hint of spicy sweetness thanks to the cinnamon, fresh nutmeg and cloves. While I typically associate these flavors with Autumn and Christmas, quatres épices is certainly appropriate at any time of year!
If you want to substitute fresh ground black pepper for the white, feel free to do so. Also, you may want to substitute ginger for the cinnamon, if you’re a fan of that flavor. Both of these substitutions are perfectly legitimate according to the French, so there is certainly some wiggle room here if you want to give this spice mix a go. And I hope you do!
QUATRES ÉPICES
2 teaspoons ground white pepper
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground cloves
Mix spices well. Store in an air-tight container in a cool, dark place. Makes 5 teaspoons, which is almost 2 tablespoons. This should get you through the autumn season quite nicely!
image – stephmodo
