Who doesn't like Ginger Bread Men, this time of year?...a recipe

[rasputin1952]

I'm going to try this this year, haven't baked Gingerbread Men in years...:D

Yield: 4 dozen cookies

* 1 cup brown sugar
* 1 cup dark molasses
* 1 cup (2 sticks) butter
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon cinnamon
* 2 teaspoons ground ginger
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 4 cups flour

In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, bring the brown sugar, molasses, and butter to a boil. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly. Dissolve the baking soda in 1/3 cup of water and add it to the molasses mixture. Add the remaining ingredients and stir until well blended. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 8 hours. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a cookie sheet. Roll out the dough to a 1/8-inch thickness on a floured board. Cut with a gingerbread-man cookie cutter. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until crisp and golden. Allow the cookies to cool before decorating.
Creamy Frosting:

* 1 cup confectioners' sugar
* 2 tablespoons melted butter or margarine
* 1 tablespoon milk
* 1 teaspoon flavored extract (your choice)
* food coloring (optional)

Combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl and beat with a fork until smooth. Decorate as desired. Allow frosting to dry before stacking cookies. Makes enough to frost bout 3-1/2 dozen small cookies.


Baking Cookie Tips
• To avoid tough cookies, don’t overmix the dough.
• For a quick chocolate glaze, drop a few chocolate chips on top of just-baked cookies and let the chocolate melt.
• Use metal cookie cutters instead of plastic. Dip cutters in flour between cuts.
• No time to bake? Melt chocolate and dip store-bought cookies in it for a homemade touch.
• Freeze unfrosted cookies, then add frosting and/or sprinkles after you take them out of the freezer.

http://www.almanac.com/recipe/gingerbread-men?utm_source=Almanac+Companion&utm_campaign=447e11595a-Companion_December_02_2010&utm_medium=email

[Lucinda]

1. TY!

I've never made homemade gingerbread....this might be the year to give it a try!

[tigereye]

2. RAS!

How have you been, my friend? :pals: Long time no see. How are things? :hi:


I just was looking at a chocolate gingerbread recipe in a new cookbook....

[rasputin1952]

3. Doing pretty well these days...

Still out here in God's Country, (sadly), but hanging in there.

Always a pleasure to see you you...:hug:

[tigereye]

5. how's the work thing?

Thinks are good here, kid is in 9th grade, adjusting to high school, home repairs continue. We feel fortunate to have work and food and a roof over our heads, good books to read and music to listen to. Hope you have good holidays!


:hug:

[rasputin1952]

6. There is very little work out hee...still unemployed....

went back to school for business, but Accounting was terrible, it's a do over next semester, taking it one night a week for 3 hrs was a terrible idea, I need some one-one-one with it, it's far different from anything I've taken before, several of us bombed out. I had to withdraw before I went into a tailspin...that crippled Financial Aid.

Thinking about moving to Grand Island to increase job prospects. Actually, I'd like to move East..PA/NY, somewhere closer to where I was brought up. We'll see what happens.

Hoping you have wonderful holidays and great New year...:hug:

[tigereye]

8. well, wish you the best and happy holidays as well!

[mopinko]

4. my secret ingredient-

i always put either just ginger, or the whole spice mix in the frosting as well. mmmm.

[rasputin1952]

7. Ooooh...that sounds great!

I'm starting on them today, never did these before, should be fun....:D