Here is the 12th century recipe I found on the internet for the traditional Polish Piernik a while ago. Unfortunately it was years ago and the printed sheet did not have the credentials.
The spice mix I created myself as I was not be able to find anything similar ready to use in Canada.
I have to say that my son absolutely loves this cake; it is his favourite.
The spice mix I created myself as I was not be able to find anything similar ready to use in Canada.
I have to say that my son absolutely loves this cake; it is his favourite.
Ingredients:
0.5 kg rye flour
250 g all purpose flour
0.5 kg honey
4 eggs
250g sugar
250 g jar of jam (sour cherry, plum, or black currant are best)
250 g butter
3 tbsp unsweetened natural juice (sour cherry, blueberry, plum are best)
1 tbsp very strong coffee
1 tbsp unsweetened cacao powder
2 tbsp baking powder
1 tbsp baking soda
2 tbsp lemon and orange peel
0.25 c dried fruits and nuts (optional)
Piernik spice mix
Piernik spice mix:
10 coriander seeds
5 cloves
1 allspice
0.25 tsp grated nutmeg
3 poss of cardamom
1 tsp grated cinnamon
0.5 tsp vanilla powder
0.5 inch fresh ginger, grated
1. Heat half of the sugar, honey and butter in a pan (gas mark 2-2.2); mix occasionally. Let it cool off.
2. Egg yolks mix with remaining sugar for about 5 minutes; add flour, soda, baking powder. Then add honey mix, juice, jam, coffee, cacao, and Piernik spice mix.
Mix well.
3. If desired add finely chopped dried fruits and nuts.
4. Beat egg whites until stiff. Then fold it into the cake mix.
5. Prepare the baking form by spreading a little bit of butter and flour so the cake does not stick.
Pour the cake mix in.
6. Bake in a preheated oven at 180c for about 60 minutes.
7. Let it cool off before removing from the form.
8. Enjoy!
