Excellent Soft Gingerbread. Mrs. Carrie Owens. Recipe

History of Soft Gingerbread:

Soft gingerbread has a rich history that traces back to ancient times. Ginger itself, which is the main ingredient in gingerbread, has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties, as well as its distinct flavor. It was widely used in both Eastern and Western cultures, and was even traded along the Silk Road.

The idea of combining ginger with sweet ingredients like molasses and sugar to create a delicious baked treat can be traced back to the medieval era. These early versions of gingerbread were often shaped into decorative figures and enjoyed particularly during holidays and special occasions.

Fun Facts about Soft Gingerbread:

1. Gingerbread houses became popular during the 17th century in Germany, thanks to the famous Brothers Grimm fairy tale, "Hansel and Gretel." The story depicted a house made entirely of gingerbread and candies, inspiring people to recreate the edible homes during Christmas time.

2. In the 19th century, Queen Victoria of England presented gingerbread cookies to children as Christmas gifts, further cementing the tradition of gingerbread as a holiday treat.

3. Gingerbread was once considered a symbol of luck and prosperity. People used to make gingerbread in the shape of animals or even good luck charms, and would give them as gifts to bring good fortune to their loved ones.

Now, let's move on to the recipe for Excellent Soft Gingerbread:

Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups Orleans molasses
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup sweet milk
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger
- 3 cups sifted flour

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease the shallow pans you'll be using to bake the gingerbread.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the Orleans molasses, brown sugar, butter, and sweet milk. Mix them together until well combined.

3. Next, add the baking soda, allspice, and ginger to the mixture. Stir until the spices are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

4. Gradually add the sifted flour to the mixture, one cup at a time, stirring well after each addition. Make sure there are no lumps in the batter and that the flour is fully incorporated.

5. Once the batter is smooth, pour it into the greased shallow pans, spreading it evenly.

6. Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Remove the gingerbread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pans for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Once the soft gingerbread has cooled, it can be sliced and served. You can enjoy it as is, or you can spread some butter or cream cheese on top for an extra bit of indulgence.

Similar Recipe Dishes:

If you're looking to explore more recipes using ginger, there are several variations and similar dishes you can try. Here are a few ideas:

1. Gingerbread Cookies: Roll out the gingerbread dough and cut it into various shapes using cookie cutters. Bake them until golden brown for a delightful twist on the classic soft gingerbread.

2. Gingerbread Cake: Incorporate the flavors of soft gingerbread into a moist and fluffy cake. Add some cream cheese frosting to create a delicious layer cake that will surely impress.

3. Gingerbread Pancakes: Add grated ginger and spices to your pancake batter, and top them off with a drizzle of maple syrup. This breakfast treat will surely become a family favorite.

4. Gingerbread Muffins: Transform the soft gingerbread batter into individual muffins. These grab-and-go treats are perfect for a quick breakfast or a snack on the run.

Remember, gingerbread is a versatile treat that can be enjoyed throughout the year, not just during the holiday season. So, grab your ingredients and start baking some Excellent Soft Gingerbread today!