[Pain Depices]

Pain d'épices, or gingerbread in English , are a type of French Christmas treat. Pain d'épices are a long, thin cake made with honey and spices such as coriander, cinnamon, and anise .

Originally from China, it spread to Europe in the Middle Ages and was later incorporated into the modern Christmas tradition. There are several different types, and I think it's because of the famous story of "Hansel and Gretel" from the Brothers Grimm that we bake fun-shaped pain d'épices decorated with icing at Christmas today.

In the story, two children get lost in the forest and are lured into a house made of sweets and gingerbread. Inside, they encounter an old woman who tries to capture and eat them. Despite the scary story, the biggest attraction for children is the giant house made of sweets and gingerbread.

As Christmas approaches, families bake gingerbread and children enjoy decorating it with colorful decorations.

By a staff member living in France