Gingerbread Recipe: Martha Stewart's Classic Holiday Delight
Guide or Summary：IngredientsInstructionsAssembling the Gingerbread HouseGingerbread, a beloved holiday treat, has been a staple in many households during th……
Guide or Summary：
Gingerbread, a beloved holiday treat, has been a staple in many households during the festive season for generations. This classic recipe, hailing from the esteemed culinary authority Martha Stewart, is a testament to the timeless appeal of gingerbread. With its rich, spicy flavors and intricate designs, this gingerbread recipe is sure to become the centerpiece of your holiday baking endeavors.
Ingredients
To embark on this culinary journey, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 6 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed light-brown sugar
- 1 cup molasses
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
Instructions
1. **Preheat**: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Prepare two 9-inch round baking pans by greasing them and dusting with flour.
2. **Dry Ingredients**: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
3. **Cream Butter and Sugar**: In a separate large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. **Add Molasses and Eggs**: Gradually add the molasses and eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. **Combine Wet and Dry**: Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three parts, alternating with the boiling water. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
6. **Pour Batter**: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
7. **Bake**: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Assembling the Gingerbread House
Once your gingerbread cakes have cooled, it's time to assemble the gingerbread house. Here are the steps:
1. **Design**: Decide on the design of your gingerbread house. You can use a template or freehand it.
2. **Cut and Assemble**: Carefully cut out the various pieces using a gingerbread house cutting set or a sharp knife. Assemble the pieces, using a small amount of frosting or royal icing as needed to adhere them.
3. **Decoration**: Decorate your gingerbread house with frosting, candies, and other edible decorations. You can also add a festive message or design to the front.
Martha Stewart's gingerbread recipe is a masterpiece of holiday baking. With its rich flavors and intricate designs, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice, this recipe offers a delightful challenge that will bring joy to your holiday season. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let the festive spirit guide your hands as you create a gingerbread house that will become a cherished tradition in your family. Happy baking!