17 Old Fashioned Gingerbread Recipe Southern Living Discover Culinary Perfection!
Published on: Mar 13, 2024
Gingerbread has been a beloved holiday treat for centuries, with its warm spices and soft, chewy texture. While there are many variations of gingerbread recipes, the old-fashioned southern living version holds a special place in many hearts. Passed down through generations, this recipe has stood the test of time and continues to be a holiday favorite. In this article, we will delve into the history of this classic dessert and provide a step-by-step guide for creating your very own old-fashioned gingerbread.
Main Ingredients: White Sugar, Butter, Egg, Molasses, Flour, Baking Soda
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Main Ingredients: Large Egg Yolks, Granulated Sugar, All Purpose Flour
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Main Ingredients: Butter, Granulated Sugar, Unsulphured Molasses, Egg
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Main Ingredients: Butter, Yellow Cornmeal, Flour, Baking Soda, Salt
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Old-Fashioned Gingerbread.
Main Ingredients: Shortening, Sugar, Molasses, All Purpose Flour, Baking
The History of Gingerbread
The Origins
Gingerbread dates back to ancient times, with evidence of its existence found in ancient Greek and Egyptian literature. However, it was not until the Middle Ages that gingerbread became associated with the holiday season. The spicy treat was often shaped into figures or decorated with intricate designs and given as gifts during Christmas celebrations. In fact, Queen Elizabeth I is credited with starting the tradition of decorating gingerbread in the likeness of guests at her royal court.
The Southern Twist
While gingerbread was popular in Europe, it was the southern United States that added their own twist to the recipe. Molasses, a staple ingredient in southern cuisine, was used in place of honey or sugar, giving the gingerbread a richer, more robust flavor. And of course, no southern recipe would be complete without a generous amount of spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, which were often sourced locally.
Creating Your Own Old-Fashioned Gingerbread
Ingredients
To make the perfect old-fashioned gingerbread, you will need flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, shortening, molasses, eggs, and hot water. The combination of these ingredients will produce a soft and chewy gingerbread that is bursting with flavor.
The Recipe
First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. Next, mix together the dry ingredients: 2 cups of flour, 1 tsp of baking soda, 1 tsp of salt, 1 tsp of ginger, 1 tsp of cinnamon, 1 tsp of nutmeg, and 1 tsp of cloves. In a separate bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of shortening and 1/2 cup of molasses. Add in 2 beaten eggs and 1 cup of hot water. Gradually add in the dry ingredients, stirring until well combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes.
Enjoying Your Gingerbread
Once the gingerbread is cooled, you can decorate it with icing, sprinkles, or simply enjoy it as is. The warm, spicy aroma of old-fashioned gingerbread will fill your home with holiday cheer and bring back memories of simpler times. So gather your loved ones and savor this delicious treat together.
In conclusion, the old-fashioned southern living gingerbread recipe is more than just a dessert. It is a tradition that has been passed down through generations and continues to bring joy and warmth to the holiday season. Give this recipe a try and experience the magic of old-fashioned gingerbread for yourself.