12 Days of Yummies: Gingerbread Cutouts

Day 1

It seems every year around this time I get loads of emails with 12 Days of this or that.  SO I decided I'd do my own...12 Days of Yummies.  I was going to do cookies, but then there's so many other delicious things to make like candy and cakes that I just didn't want to leave out.  This first recipe is a festive favorite.  I've never been a fan of gingersnaps, gingerbread, or anything ginger for that matter.  But what would the holidays be like without Gingerbread people?  This recipe is actually really yummy...even I who does not like ginger anything could down a few of these yummies!  I got this recipe from my mom...they're fun for the kids to make and decorate too.  I think they're the best topped with a light powdered sugar glaze.

(photo courtesy of about.com)

• 1/2 cup shortening
  
• 1 1/2 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
  
• 1/2 cup sugar
  
• 1/2 cup molasses
  
• 1 egg
  
• 1 Tbsp vinegar
  
• 1 tsp baking powder
  
• 1 tsp ground ginger
  
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
  
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
  

In a mixing bowl beat shortening with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add about half of the flour the sugar, molasses, egg, vinegar, baking powder, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, and cloves. Beat till thoroughly combined. Beat in remaining flour. Cover and chill for 3 hours or till easy to handle. Divide the chilled dough in half. On a lightly floured surface, roll half of the dough at a time 1/8” thick. Cut into desired shapes with a 2 1/2” cookie cutter. Place 1” apart on a greased cookie sheet. Bake in a 375° oven for 5-6 minutes or till edges are lightly browned. Cool on the cookie sheet for 1 minute. Remove and cool on a wire rack. If desired, prepare Powdered Sugar Icing, adding a few drops food coloring. Decorate cookies with icing and decorative candies, if desired.

Makes 36-48 cookies.

Julie R.

AG, CA