Pain D’épices

While spiced breads have existed since antiquity, the pain d’épices of today generally refers to the honey- and spice-infused, whole wheat breads of France. It is believed that the Chinese developed the first recipe for a spiced honey bread called mi-king in the 10th century. These cake-like breads were introduced to Europe through the Mongol armies of the East, who shared the recipe with Turks and Arabs, who in turn shared it with crusading European knights.

By the Middle Ag