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‘Tis the season for…..Gingerbread!!

So…gingerbread definitely ranks up there as my #1 all -time favorite theme to use with kids.  I have over 25 different versions of the story!  From a Cajun gingerbread boy story all the way to my latest favorite The Gingerbread Girl and you know it – she outsmarts that fox!!!  Anyway- a quick post to give you my favorite Ginger Crinkles recipe.  These cookies were given to me by Melanie Greene, a former kindergarten student many years ago.  Dare I say Melanie is now probably a college graduate, but those cookies left a lasting impression on me!  I have been making them for many years with my kids and classes.

I am also including the best frosting recipe for use with assembling gingerbread houses, whether you buy them or make them this stuff is like glue- your house will stay put (and deter kids from eating the house- good luck getting the stuff off!).  I remember one insane year when I made homemade gingerbread houses- all 23 of them for one of my kindergarten classes.  My dear friend and co-owner of www.irelaunch.com, Carol Cohen, helped me glue them together so the kids could decorate them vs. slapping graham crackers on the yucky milk carton ones.  Looking back- I can’t believe I spent an entire day baking the walls and I can’t believe I convinced Carol to help me assemble- insane but memorable!

And that sums it up folks- the holidays should NOT be about craziness, insanity or shopping ‘til you drop.  Holidays are all about creating memories and for me – memories start with baking.  So, take in the sights and sounds and SMELLS of the season and…pay a sitter $10 an hour to wrap those gifts- it’s SO worth it!

While you’re at it- print out my adorable GINGERBREAD MAN READING CHART  and curl up with your kids and read some great holiday favorites.

What books do you love to read during December?

Until New Year’s…happy baking!

Ginger Crinkles

Ingredients: (makes 48 cookies)

• 2 1/4 cups flour
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 3/4 cup shortening
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1 egg

Directions:

1. Stir together the 1st six ingredients in a separate bowl and  set aside.
2. Combine the remaining ingredients and beat well.
3. Add the dry mixture and beat well.  Form 1” balls and roll in granulated sugar.
4. Place 2” apart on ungreased cookie sheets.  Bake at 375º for 8-10 minutes.

Enjoy with a cold glass of milk!

*These cookies were given to me by an old kindergarten student, Melanie Greene and I have been making them ever since!

 Gingerbread House Icing (Glue)

Ingredients:

• 3 egg whites
• ¾ tsp. cream of tartar
• 1 lb. confectioner’s sugar

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients and mix on high speed for 7-10 minutes.
2. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.