QUATRE ÉPICES - FRENCH FOUR SPICE MIX FROM THE AUBERGE

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Quatre Épices - French Four Spice Mix from the Auberge image

The literal translation of quatre épices is four spices; however, quatre épices rarely contains JUST four spices, but can have anything up to five or six spices in the mixture! This is my own version of quatre épices, a spice mixture that I find invaluable in the French kitchen, especially for charcuterie such as terrines, pates, sausages and rillettes. This spice mix is also that quintessential ingredient when added to deep, dark slow cooked beef and game dishes, especially when they contain wine. There is a school of thought that suggests the need for a "sweet" quatre épices spice mix as well a "savoury" quatre épices spice mix; I have never bothered to deviate from this basic recipe, which is equally delicious in savoury dishes (as mentioned above), and when used with moderation in sweet puddings, rich cakes and biscuits. My recipe contains five spices and will keep for a several weeks in an airtight tin or jar. This spice mix also makes a thoughtful gift for a foodie friend or host and hostess!

Provided by French Tart

Categories     Fruit

Time 5m

Yield 60-75 grammes

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 tablespoon white peppercorns
1 small whole nutmeg
10 cloves
1 cinnamon stick, about 2-inch
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 tablespoon allspice berry, see below (optional)

Steps:

  • Put all of the ingredients in a spice mill or blender and process until evenly ground.
  • Store in a cool, dark, dry place.
  • Lasts for about 4 to 6 weeks without any loss of intensity of flavour.
  • NB: If you are REALLY concerned about using this mix in sweet cooking, the white peppercorns can be substituted for the same amount of allspice berries!

David Ben
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I've been using this spice mix for a few months now and I'm really impressed. It's a great all-purpose spice mix that I can use on a variety of dishes.


Baby Baby
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This spice mix is a must-have for any home cook. It's so versatile and adds so much flavor to any dish.


Puja Khanal
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I'm so glad I found this spice mix. It's the perfect addition to my kitchen. It adds so much flavor to my dishes and it's so easy to use.


Alex deking22
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This spice mix is amazing! I've used it on chicken, fish, and vegetables, and it's always delicious. It's the perfect blend of spices and adds so much flavor.


Jiwan Bhandari
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I love this spice mix! It's the perfect blend of spices and adds so much flavor to my dishes.


Nfor Shanella
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This is the best spice mix I've ever used! It's so flavorful and versatile. I've used it on chicken, pork, and vegetables, and it's always delicious.


Akidi Winnie
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I've been using this spice mix for years and it never disappoints. It's the perfect blend of spices and adds so much flavor to my food.


Mhl Mhl
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Just made this spice mix and it smells amazing! Can't wait to try it on some chicken tonight.


Nannozi Olive Deborah
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I was skeptical at first, but I'm so glad I tried this spice mix. It's now a staple in my kitchen. I love the smoky, complex flavor it adds to my food.


extp
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This spice mix is a game-changer! It adds so much flavor to my dishes, and I love that it's so versatile. I've used it in everything from roasted chicken to grilled vegetables, and it always delivers.