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1
Preheat the oven to 350.
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2
Butter a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan.
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3
In a medium bowl, whisk the flour with the sugar, orange zest, baking powder, baking soda, anise seeds, ginger, cinnamon, salt and pepper.
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4
In the bowl of an electric standing mixer fitted with the paddle, combine 3/4 cup of the honey with the water, Cognac and melted butter; mix until blended.
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5
Add the flour mixture and mix at medium-low speed until incorporated.
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6
Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 1 hour, until a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean.
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7
Let the cake cool in the pan for about 5 minutes.
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8
In a small bowl, microwave the remaining 2 tablespoons of honey until fluid, 20 seconds.
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9
Turn the cake out onto a rack then right side up.
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10
Brush the top and sides with the honey.
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11
Let the cake cool for about 30 minutes before serving.
