Quatre Epices Four Spices Gascon Recipes

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

• Ingredients

Quatre epices comes in many versions. This combination--with pepper, without allspice or coriander, is typical of Gascogny and is used in many dishes, especially in confit. I like to use whole spices and put them all in the grinder; the scent and the flavor is greatly enhanced. If you only have the pre-ground versions, then use them and it will be a delicious mix. The measures are a guide; feel free to adapt to your own taste.

Provided by Chef Kate

Categories     European

Time 5m

Yield 1/3 cup

Number Of Ingredients 4

• Ingredients

Based on a recipe from Simply French, the cookbook where Patricia Wells presents the cuisine of Joël Robuchon. Per the introduction, "Quatre épices, literally 'four spices,' is a classic French mixture designed to season terrines of pork or duck liver. Use the best-quality spices you can find, and grind them yourself in a spice or coffee mill. I generally prepare only the amount I will need for each terrine."

Provided by mersaydees

Categories     European

Time 5m

Yield 1 teaspoon

Number Of Ingredients 4

Nutrition Facts : Calories 7.7, Fat 0.4, SaturatedFat 0.2, Sodium 2, Carbohydrate 1.4, Fiber 0.7, Sugar 0.2, Protein 0.1

• Ingredients

Provided by John Martin Taylor

Categories     Low Sodium     Wheat/Gluten-Free     Spice

Number Of Ingredients 5

• Ingredients