Christmas Sorted | Page 12

  Gingerbread There are two sets of ingredients I use for gingerbread. The first is the traditional recipe – simple gingerbread that keeps well and is fairly foolproof. I find however that I prefer more character in my gingerbread, and so the second has become my recipe of choice. Both share the same instructions, just a different set of ingredients. And both work beautifully for cookies or gingerbread houses. Sim ple Gingerbread Ingredients • • • • • • • 250g butter (softened) 1 cup brown sugar (packed) 1 cup golden syrup 2 egg yolks 5 cups flour 2 tbsp. ground ginger 2 tsp. bicarbonate of soda Spiced Gingerbread Ingredients • 250g butter, softened • 2/3 cup soft brown sugar • 1/2 cup date honey or golden syrup • 2 eggs, beaten • 4 cups flour • 1/2 cup self raising flour • 2 tbsp. ground ginger • 1 tbsp. ground cinnamon • 1 tsp. ground cloves • ½ tsp. finely ground black pepper • 2 tsp. bicarbonate of soda Instructions: 1. Cream the butter, sugar and golden syrup with an electric beater. When light and fluffy, add the eggs gradually. 2. Switch to a wooden spoon, and add all dry ingredients, sifted together. As dough firms up, remove from bowl and knead a little on a floured surface. 3. Wrap in cling wrap and refrigerate until you are ready to use. 4. Shape as desired on a paper-lined tray, and bake for 10 minutes in a 180 °C oven