Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup golden syrup
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup hot water
Special equipment needed:
- 9-inch square baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking pan and line it with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
4. Add the golden syrup and egg, and beat until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the hot water, and mix until just combined.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a rubber spatula.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Let the gingerbread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Cut the gingerbread into squares and serve.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 30-35 minutes
Temperature:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Serving size:
- 9-inch square baking pan, makes 9-12 servings.
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 240
- Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Protein: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use molasses instead of golden syrup.
- You can use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar.
Variations:
- Add 1/2 cup chopped crystallized ginger to the batter for extra ginger flavor.
- Top the gingerbread with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- Make a glaze with powdered sugar and milk and drizzle it over the cooled gingerbread.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter is softened before creaming it with the sugar.
- Don't overmix the batter, or the gingerbread will be tough.
- Let the gingerbread cool completely before cutting it into squares.
Storage instructions:
- Store the gingerbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the gingerbread, wrap it in foil and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the gingerbread on a platter with a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Cut the gingerbread into small squares and arrange them on a dessert tray.
Garnishes:
- Dust the gingerbread with powdered sugar.
- Top the gingerbread with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Pairings:
- Serve the gingerbread with a cup of hot tea or coffee.
Suggested side dishes:
- Fresh fruit salad
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the gingerbread is too dry, add a tablespoon of hot water to the batter.
- If the gingerbread is too moist, bake it for an additional 5-10 minutes.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to use fresh ingredients.
- Wash your hands before handling food.
- Store the gingerbread in an airtight container to prevent contamination.
Food history:
- Gingerbread has been a popular dessert since the Middle Ages.
- Golden syrup is a sweetener made from sugar cane juice.
Flavor profiles:
- The gingerbread has a warm and spicy flavor from the ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
- The golden syrup adds a rich and caramel-like sweetness.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the gingerbread as a dessert after a meal.
- Bring it to a potluck or holiday gathering.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
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Region: British
Taste: Sweet, Spicy, Caramelized, Rich