I sat about on a task of making Gingerbread men this season for my husband who adores them. My sister-in-law makes them for Christmas Eve each year and he mentions them fondly throughout the year so I decided to whip up a batch he could call his own this season. I couldn't find my mom's recipe for them, so I dialed up my lovely friend Kimberley *who is an amazing baker in her own right. She lovingly shared her family recipe and I set about the task. As I began, I immediately felt my mother's presence. She was a bright light and made every celebration the best. She loved to dress for the holidays and I could always find her buzzing about the house in some sparkly or luscious velvet frock.. I can smell the Christmas tree she so lovingly decorated. The goodies baking in the kitchen... fudge or little shaped sugar cookies with red and green sprinkles oh and pralines with massive pecans-mmmm.. *Sigh..I can hear the Christmas carols playing throughout the house with mom singing or humming along.
The one thing I hear her say clearly regarding the task of gingerbread men..
I'll share in case you haven't been privy to this information or like me simply didn't hear it before...
The holidays are NOT about the tasks of the season.. the writing and addressing of Christmas cards, decorating, baking, buying, wrapping, shipping.. The holiday season is truly all about LOVE and ALL about the memory you create in the hearts of those you truly love..
I digress.. but my heart is full.
On to the task at hand! In one hour, I had a batch of cookies ready to eat.. in two, they were iced and ready to charm my family. If it wasn't midnight, I may have given more imagination to their clothing... (the upside is that I'll actually get to see them one more day).
Since my friend's recipe is a family secret, I'll share one similar in ingredients that is rated five stars for ease and taste: Gingerbread Men Recipe.
Half the fun was rolling out the dough and cutting the little shapes!
For frosting/icing, my old tested tried and true recipe is as follows: Beat two egg whites and one teaspoon of vanilla until frothy. Next, add three cups of powdered sugar. That's it! Beat for about five minutes or until super shiny, add food coloring or gel to the icing to give it your desired color and pipe on your decorations!
That's it. So easy.. I'm certain these will be a tradition in this house for years to come.
Thank you for sharing in my walk down memory lane. I hope you are making beautiful memories with those you love my friends..
I wish you & yours a very Merry Christmas!
