Gingerbread Slices

Line a baking dish measuring 25 x 30 cm with baking paper and preheat the oven to 160 degrees Celsius.

In a mortar, thoroughly crush cloves, allspice, anise or fennel, pepper, the inside of cardamom pods, and star anise seeds (i.e., the insides of the stars). Sieve the crushed spices and discard any coarse, uncrushable pieces. Mix the blend with ground cinnamon and grated nutmeg.

In a bowl, whisk together both flours, gingerbread spice, a pinch of salt, cocoa, baking powder, sugar, and vanilla sugar.