Nothing is as comfortingly soul-soothing as gingerbread. It smells like Christmas and the best memories of home and family. Add dried fruit before baking and a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream before serving, and it’s an instant I-love-you for any occasion.
Ingredients:
3 cups flour
1 cup brown sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
3 tsp ground ginger
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp allspice
1 tsp orange zest
1 tsp orange extract
pinch of salt
1/2 cup butter
2 eggs
1 cup molasses
1 cup boiling water
1 cup apricots
1 cup golden raisins
Step-by-Step:
Preheat oven to 325°F, and line a 7-inch metal pan with greased wax paper.
In a medium pan, melt butter gently over low heat, then remove from heat and add in sugar and molasses until blended. Set aside to cool.
Sift the flour and dry ingredients together into a medium bowl.
In a small bowl, beat eggs.
Add both wet mixtures to the dry mixture and mix until smooth.
Stir in orange zest and fruit.
Pour into pan and bake for 60 to 65 minutes until firm to the touch.
Remove from pan to cool and store in airtight container for at least two days before serving.
Makes 16 squares.