by Joey Bailey
As the air grows crisp and the holiday lights twinkle, one of the most delightful ways to embrace the Christmas spirit is through baking. This festive season is synonymous with warm kitchens, the aroma of spices, and trays of freshly baked goodies that bring people together. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just trying your hand at a family recipe, Christmas baking is a tradition to cherish.
I am not much of a baker and didn’t grow up in a baking family. The one thing I do remember my Nanna (grandma) baking was her famous ginger snap cookies. She would make one huge batch at Christmas and freeze them in metal Christmas tins. We girls would sneak them all year round and eat them frozen; they were so good.
My daughter Dyllyn loves to bake. That might be one of her favorite hobbies. We all enjoy it when she bakes because of the taste testing. It is rare that I even have to help her at all. Some of her signature items are pineapple upside-down cupcakes and key lime pie. This past weekend, she did some Christmas baking, and Nanna’s ginger snap cookies were on the list!
There’s something magical about baking during the Christmas season. It’s a chance to slow down, enjoy the simple pleasures of life, and share joy with others. So, preheat your oven, put on your favorite holiday playlist, and let the spirit of Christmas fill your kitchen. Happy baking!
Nanna’s Ginger Snaps
Serving – 2 dozen
Ingredients:
¾ c shortening
4 Tbs. molasses
1 cup sugar
1 egg
2 tsp. ginger
1 tsp. cloves
pinch of salt
2 cups flour
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix shortening, molasses and sugar. Beat in the egg. Mix in flour, soda, ginger and cloves. Roll in balls, dip in sugar. Flatten with bottom of glass. Bake for 15 minutes at 350.
Joey is the NDFB Director of Organizational Development.