Gingerbread

CrispyGingerbreadCookies

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015 Christmas gingerbread cookies in Austria - Austrian Christmas food

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Gingerbread is a broad category of baked goods, typically flavored with ginger, cloves, nutmeg, or cinnamon and sweetened with honey, sugar, or molasses. Gingerbread varies from a soft, moist loaf cake to something close to a ginger biscuit.

History

Gingerbread has a long history, dating back to ancient Greece and Egypt, where it was used for ceremonial purposes. The first known recipe for gingerbread dates back to 2400 BC in Greece. In the 11th century, gingerbread was brought to Europe by returning crusaders. By the 15th century, gingerbread was being shaped into different forms and used to create elaborate displays.

Types of Gingerbread

There are several types of gingerbread, including:

• Gingerbread Cookies: These are typically thin, crisp cookies that are often cut into shapes, such as the popular gingerbread man.
• Gingerbread Cake: A moist, dense cake that is often served with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream.
• Gingerbread Houses: Elaborate structures made from gingerbread cookies and decorated with icing and candy.

Cultural Significance

Gingerbread has significant cultural importance in many countries. In Germany, gingerbread is known as Lebkuchen and is a traditional treat during the Christmas season. In the United States, gingerbread houses are a popular holiday activity, often constructed and decorated by families during the Christmas season.

Preparation

The preparation of gingerbread involves mixing flour, spices, and a sweetening agent such as honey or molasses. The dough is then rolled out and cut into shapes or poured into a baking pan. After baking, gingerbread can be decorated with icing, candies, or other edible decorations.

Related Pages

• Gingerbread man
• Lebkuchen
• Christmas
• Baking
• Spices

See Also

• Honey
• Molasses
• Icing
• Candy

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