For today, once I decided to add this adorable gingerbread baker to the post, I also decided that it would be incomplete without a recipe for gingerbread boys.
So really -- it's December 1, after all! I imagine most people have every one of the necessary ingredients in the pantry right this very minute. Why not mix up a batch? If you don't have time to bake them today, chill the dough and bake them tomorrow. We have a winter storm predicted here for Monday, and what better way to chase away the chill than the wonderful aroma and the cheerful look of a pan full of gingerbread men?
The following recipe is slightly adapted from Cook & Tell, and is my favorite recipe for ginger guys. Note that it is easily made in a saucepan!
GINGERBREAD MEN
1/2 cup shortening (or use real butter)
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup molasses
1 1/2 tsp. vinegar
1 egg, beaten
3 cups flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ginger
1/4 tsp. salt
In a large, heavy saucepan, place shortening, sugar, molasses, and vinegar. Bring to a boil, stirring. Remove from heat and cool mixture to room temperature.
Add beaten egg to cooled mixture in saucepan. Sift together remaining ingredients and stir into molasses mixture using a wooden spoon. Mix well. Form mixture into a ball; wrap in plastic wrap and chill for several hours.
Working with a small amount of dough at a time, and leaving the remainder of dough in the fridge, roll out dough 1/8-inch to 1/4-inch thick and cut with desired cookie cutters.
Bake on ungreased baking sheets at 375º for 8-12 minutes. Mine took about 8 minutes or even a little less. Makes a bunch of gingerbread men.
Happy December 1 -- and happy baking!
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