Especially celebrated in northern Europe, Saint Nicolas is the Saint patron of Lorraine, Region in France. When celebrating Saint Nicolas, children traditionally receive gingerbreads, chocolate, and clementines. In respect to this tradition, lets make our children small gifts such as these gingerbread men.
Ingredients for 24 Cookies:
- 320 g (2 & 1/2 cups) all purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp allspice
- 110 g (1/2 cup) butter, softened
- 175 g (3/4 cup) dark brown sugar
- 1 large free range egg, beaten
- 2 Tbsp water.
Icing :
- 1 large egg white
- 175 g (3/4 cup) icing sugar
In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in molasses, egg and water. In another bowl, combine flour, ginger, baking soda, salt and allspice. Add the creamed mixture and mix well.
Divide dough in half. Cover and refrigerate 30 minutes or until easy to handle. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out each portion of dough to 1/8 inch ( 5 mm) thickness and stamp out the gingerbread men with the cookie cutter.
Place apart on greased baking sheets and bake from 8 to 12 minutes or until edges are firm. Remove for oven and cool for a few minutes until firmed up then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Decorate as desired with some icing.
