Gingerrific Christmas Goodies

During festive season, gingerbread man are a "must haves" for some homes. A long family tradition perhaps? For the rest of us its probably a xmas novelty item, something we all would love to receive - even the dormant inner child inside us :)

After Master Prince tasted Elaine's breadman, he asked for more. Good excuse for me to play with more sugar :) Perfect: win-win situation! hahaha, finally he cooperates!

Recipe adapted from here (also tested by Elaine)

Ingredients
125g butter, at room temperature
100g (1/2 cup, firmly packed) brown sugar
125ml (1/2 cup) golden syrup
1 egg yolk
375g (2 1/2 cups) plain flour
1 tbs ground ginger
1 tsp mixed spice
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
Plain flour, to dust

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 180°C. Brush 2 baking trays with melted butter to lightly grease.

2. Use an electric beater to beat the butter and sugar in a bowl until pale and creamy. Add the golden syrup and egg yolk and beat until combined. Stir in the flour, ginger, mixed spice and bicarbonate of soda. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth. Press dough into a disc. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge for 30 minutes to rest.

3. Place the dough between 2 sheets of baking paper and roll out until about 4mm thick. Use a 9cm gingerbread man cutter to cut out shapes. Place on trays about 3cm apart. Repeat with any excess dough.

4. Bake in oven for 10 minutes or until brown. Remove from oven. Transfer to a rack to cool before decorating.

Now for some introductions.....

The Minimalist - There are some who would not touch a cookie for fear of the high sugar content. Sugar issues?? Not asking you to consume a whole batch of cookies in one seating - moderation. Loosen up will ya, live a little. Have a small cookie with a hot cup of tea. You’d be surprise what a little sugar could do for you actually.

Ok ok, jokes aside this is for my dad or the (ahem) 'older folks' who need to be more careful with their sugar intake or just hate royal icing. But I forgot to imprint the faces until seconds out from the oven before the soft hot cookie harden. Wouldn't recommend this method to anyone.

Meet the rest of the gingerbread man family

the flamboyant gingieman...

the cold country white winter visiting cousins gingieman....

the serious business minded gingieman....

the classic bow-tiers gingieman...

Now the BIG QUESTION I have is - how do you eat your gingerbread?
**WARNING: The following story may contain graphic violence, not suitable for young children (without adult supervision), or those of you who may have a nervous disposition**

Run, run, run, as fast as you can! You can’t catch me for I am the gingerbread man!

oh no....

Too late, far too late….I’m caught!!! H-E-L-P…

The Nibbler? Looks like its gonna be a long slow drawn out t-0-r-t-u-r-e!!!

Head first? Oo u big meanie, sure BITE MY HEAD – I knew you’ve been just waiting all year to do so!! lolz

Arm first? Well now, you are just plain cruel & sadistic.

Leg first? aHem, getting kinky are we?

Both legs first? Really?? Your mouth is that big? Greedy pig!

S-T-O-P.
T-H-E.
M-U-N-C-H-I-N-G!!!

Yeah, pick on someone your own size!!

O.o....Here come the 'Marshalls'!

"Pray heroes...please save us defenseless gingies to The Human MuncherMonster!!!"

The ones in purple are suppose to be ninjas and the fierce-looking ones with the red headband are "Ninjabread Man". Hear of them before? It is actually a Wii game, believe it or not!

End of story - hope you enjoyed that! :)

As usual got a tad carried away having so much fun making these. Here are a few more that managed to stay on the table (as oppose to the tummy) :)

White gingerman with thick red lips - haha

Assorted xmas trees.

Assorted christmas 'gift' cookies.


Wishing those who celebrate :
A Very Merry Christmas.

This is Master Prince's favourite piece out of the whole pile of cookies.

Want to know something? Whether you decorate your gingerbread man cookie or not, I am sure they will look cute and taste great. Its something in the holiday festive air!! This ginger cookie (and there are so many versions & recipes out there) is really hard to mess up (honest) and a hot favourite with everybody - well I haven't met anyone who didn't like it!! Told ya its the holiday festive air. Have fun baking :)