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The Underrated Ingredient for Holiday Baking: Ginger
As the holiday season approaches, peppermint often steals the spotlight; however, another ingredient deserves equal recognition: ginger. This sweet and spicy root can elevate your holiday baking in remarkable ways, and it’s often overlooked.
Ginger is incredibly versatile, available in various forms, including ground, fresh, and crystallized. It’s essential for creating classic holiday treats such as gingerbread cutout cookies, ginger molasses cookies, gingerbread cake, and other delightful gingerbread goodies.
One of my cherished memories is the tradition of making cookies during the holidays with my family. Among the many options we baked, chewy chocolate chip-gingerbread cookies stood out. We rolled the dough balls in sugar, creating a sparkling effect after baking. The warmth and spice of ginger brought a delightful dimension to our cookie plates, which also featured traditional sugar cookies, shortbreads, and jam-filled thumbprints.
Over the years, my appreciation for ginger has only grown. One of my favorite recipes incorporates ginger in three forms, offering a complex flavor profile with every bite. Ground ginger provides a subtle spiciness, while freshly grated ginger adds a bolder punch, and crystallized ginger contributes a chewy texture and decorative sparkle. I also love experimenting with ginger in gingerbread cakes, loaves, and brownies. One notable creation was a three-layer gingerbread cake with luscious vanilla buttercream frosting that was a holiday party sensation!
While you may be accustomed to ginger in traditional gingerbread cutout cookies, its potential in holiday baking goes far beyond. Though sugar cookies are visually appealing and sweet, they often lack the rich depth of flavor found in gingerbread. The robust taste of gingerbread cookies makes them the perfect accompaniment to a cozy evening by the fire with a warm cup of tea, especially in a winter wonderland setting.
Beyond its delightful flavor, ginger boasts several health benefits. It’s known to soothe upset stomachs, which is especially beneficial after indulging in too many holiday treats. Ginger also has anti-inflammatory properties and is packed with antioxidants, potentially contributing to heart health and cancer prevention. The compound gingerol gives ginger its characteristic spiciness and may aid inflammatory conditions and support the immune system, which is why ginger tea is frequently recommended for soothing colds.
As you prepare for your holiday baking this year, consider incorporating ginger into your recipes, whether you’re making gingerbread cake, cookies, or other festive treats. You won’t regret this hearty and flavorful addition to your holiday lineup!
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