1 tsp. anise seed
3/4 c. boiling water
1/2 c. chopped orange peel and raisins
1/2 c. honey
1/2 c. sugar
2 1/4 c. flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. grated fresh nutmeg
1/2 tsp. powdered cloves

Soak anise seed in boiling water for 5 minutes. Combine chopped peel and raisins, honey and sugar. Stir warm anise seed water into honey mixture. Mix well until dissolved. Sift dry ingredients and spices. Combine with honey mixture and mix until smooth. Turn into greased loaf pan. Bake in 350 degree oven for an hour. This gingerbread goes nicely served with a lemon balm sauce (recipe follows).