Quatre épices

Quatre épices is a traditional spice blend that's used to season and flavor a wide variety of foods such as roulades, soups, terrines, stews, gratins, and even sausages. The name of the blend means four spices, and those are black or white pepper, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger.

Some spices may be replaced or added in the mix, including allspice and cinnamon. The most common versions of the blend focus on the pepper, and those peppery notes are backed up by the pungency and sweetness of the other spices.