Gingerbread

Gingerbread Cookies

This recipe was based on a recipe for Ginger Sprites from Oma's "Favorite Cookie Cook Book" by Hyla Nelson O'Connor published in around 1955 and bought for 75 cents.

1/2 cup unsalted butter

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup molasses

1 egg

2 1/2 cups flour

1/2 teaspoon soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon ginger

1 1/2 teaspoons cloves

1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon nutmeg

Note:check original recipe to see how much salt

Cream together shortening and sugar until light and fluffy.  Add molasses and egg and beat well.  Sift together flour, soda, baking powder and spices.  Add to molasses mixture and blend thoroughly.  Chill in refrigerator.  Roll out on a lightly floured board to about 1/4 inch thickness.  Use cookie cutters to create wonderful shapes.  Place on a greased baking sheet.  I used parchment paper.  Bake in a moderate oven (350 degrees) for 10 to 12 minutes depending on the size of the cookies.  

I doubled the recipe to make about 8 large stocking cookies and about a half dozen smaller cookies.

Jenny's molasses tip 2018-spray measuring cup with Pam before filling with molasses

Cookie Icing

This icing dries hard and shiny and the colors stay bright.

1 cup confectioner's sugar

2 teaspoons milk

2 teaspoons light corn syrup

1/4 teaspoon almond extract

assorted food coloring

In a small bowl, stir together confectioner's sugar and milk until smooth.  Beat in corn syrup and almond extract until icing is smooth and glossy.  If icing is too thick, add more corn syrup.

Divide into separate bowls, and add food colorings to each to desired intensity.  Dip cookies, or paint them with a brush.

 Reegan, Ethan and Tristan proudly display their sandpaper Gingerbread Boys decorated with glue, beads, sequins, glue glitter and  Christmas ribbons.

 Reegan and Tristan wonder how we are going to make a spicy Gingerbread dough with applesauce and white glue.

Cinnamon Christmas Decorations

Mix the following:

1 cup cinnamon

1 tablespoon ground cloves

1 tablespoon nutmeg

Add the following and mix well:

3/4 cup applesauce

2 tablespoons white glue

Work the dough for 2 to 3 minutes with your hands.

Divide it into 2 to 4 balls and roll out to 1/4 inch thick.

Cut with cookie cutters.

Use a straw to poke a hole in the top

Dry on a wire rack or cookie sheet for 2 days.

Turn often to prevent curling and to help with the drying.

Can be covered with a damp tea towel to help prevent cracking.

To read the story of the Gingerbread Man click on Gingerbread Man.

Connecticut Gingerbread Cookies 2019

Veggie Chili

This recipe I got from one of my mommy friends Liz.  It is a super delicious, meat-free chili that was a hit with my crew.  It has a slightly spicy taste but it is also quite sweet because of the sweet potatoes and corn- perfect for the all the family's taste buds.  I've adapted the recipe slightly from Liz's original version, but only slightly.  Hope you like this meat-less chili option!

Liz's Veggie Chili (adapted from the above cookbook)


1 Tbsp canola oil
2 Tbsp garlic, minced
1 onion, chopped
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
2 stalks of celery, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
2 large sweet potatoes, diced
1 28 oz can of diced tomatoes
1 5 oz can of tomato paste
1 can of black beans
1 can of red kidney beans
1 cup frozen corn
1 Tbsp vinegar
1/4 cup of chili powder (or to taste)
1 sprinkle of cumin, oregano and cayenne (or to taste)
Salt + Pepper


Heat oil in a large saucepan and sauté onions until slightly browned.  Add garlic and mushrooms and cook until mushrooms are nicely browned.  Add celery, carrots, green pepper and sweet potatoes and sauté for 5 minutes.


Meanwhile, drain and rinse beans well.  Add beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, corn, vinegar and spices to the saucepan.  Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning the bottom.  Add salt and pepper to your preference.  Enjoy!

This veggie chili would be the perfect meal after an Autumn Day Hike in the mountains.  I've attached some pictures of the boys, the daddy and the two grandpas who went on a Fall Hike in September 2010. Good fun was had by all and they came back with many great adventures to retell.

We're ready, which mountain are we climbing today?

The boys and Grandpa VV, checking out the view.

Dad and his boys.

Look, a bench!  T-man thinks it's the best.

Grandpa VV, hiking the rocky terrain.

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Yup, our adventures are epic.

E-man and Grandpa V

The boys and Grandpa VV

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Grandpa V says, "Look at the view!"

Love,

Twin B

xoxoxoxoxoxo