Happy Gingerbread Day!

by Alexa Weibel, Posted Nov 21st 2009 @ 1:15PM

Gingerbread cake. Photo: C.Barr, Flickr.

Nothing smells like the holidays more than a spirited serving of gingerbread. From gingerbread houses to gingerbread men, the dessert is deeply rooted in holiday tradition.

Dating back to 2000 B.C. when the Greeks sampled "spiced honey cakes," the treat has been variously adapted and differentiated by regions, from honey-and-allspice pain d'épice in France, to Queen Victoria's influence on the creation of gingerbread men in England, to New England variations relying on local ingredients like maple syrup or molasses.

Today we enjoy the complexity of spices in baked goods, from Gramercy Tavern's moist molasses-stout gingerbread or unique varieties like Gingerbread Bars or Gingerbread Truffles. And for the ultimate inspiration for gingerbread crafting, observe our step-by-step guide to crafting the perfect gingerbread house by the Black Cat Café's expert Vanessa Daou.

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Tags: gingerbread, gingerbread day, gingerbread house, gingerbread recipe