Ginger Bread with Lemon Sauce

Ginger Bread with Lemon Sauce Recipe from Germany | Ingredients and Directions

Region / culture: Germany | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Gingerbread with Lemon Sauce is a classic dessert that combines the warm, spicy flavors of gingerbread with the tangy sweetness of lemon sauce. This comforting and delicious treat is perfect for the holiday season or any time you're craving a cozy dessert.

History

Gingerbread has been enjoyed for centuries, with recipes dating back to medieval times. The combination of ginger, molasses, and spices was popular in Europe and eventually made its way to America. Lemon sauce, on the other hand, is a more modern addition to the classic gingerbread recipe, adding a bright and citrusy flavor to the dish.

Ingredients

Gingerbread

0.33 cup of shortening
0.67 cup of boiling water
1 cup of molasses
1 beaten egg
2.75 cups of all-purpose flour
1.5 tsp of baking soda
0.5 tsp of salt
1 tsp of ground cinnamon
1.5 tsp of ground ginger
0.25 tsp of ground cloves

Lemon sauce

1 cup of sugar
1 tbsp of butter
0.25 cup + 3 tbsp of cold water (divided)
0.25 cup of cornstarch
1 tsp of grated lemon rind
0.25 cup plus 2 tbsp of lemon juice
3 egg yolks
2 tbsp of milk

How to prepare

Ginger bread

Melt shortening in boiling water, then add molasses and egg.
Combine dry ingredients, then add to molasses mixture.
Pour batter into a greased square pan and bake at 350°F (177°C) for 30 minutes.
Cool before cutting into squares.
Pour lemon sauce over right before serving.

Lemon sauce

Combine sugar, butter, and 1.25 cups of water in a saucepan.
Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until sugar dissolves.
Combine cornstarch and the remaining water, then add the syrup mixture.
Cook until clear and thickened.
Add lemon rind and juice and cook for 2 minutes.
Combine egg yolks and milk.
Add a small amount of sauce, mixing well.
Add back to the sauce in the pan, then bring to a boil, stirring constantly.

Variations

Add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the gingerbread batter for added texture and flavor.
Swap out the lemon sauce for a warm caramel sauce or a creamy vanilla custard.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to properly grease your baking pan to prevent the gingerbread from sticking.

- Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough gingerbread.

- Allow the gingerbread to cool before cutting into squares to ensure clean edges.

- Serve the lemon sauce warm over the gingerbread for the best flavor combination.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the gingerbread warm with a generous drizzle of lemon sauce on top. Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to properly cream the shortening, molasses, and egg together for a light and fluffy gingerbread.

- Cook the lemon sauce over low heat and stir constantly to prevent lumps from forming.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute butter for shortening in the gingerbread for a richer flavor.

- Use orange juice and zest instead of lemon in the sauce for a different citrus twist.

Make Ahead Tips

Both the gingerbread and lemon sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Simply reheat the sauce before serving over the gingerbread.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the gingerbread squares on a decorative platter with a dusting of powdered sugar and a sprig of fresh mint for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dessert with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a cozy and comforting treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover gingerbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Approximately 250 calories per serving

Carbohydrates

Gingerbread: Approximately 30g of carbohydrates per serving

Lemon sauce: Approximately 25g of carbohydrates per serving

Fats

Gingerbread: Approximately 8g of fats per serving

Lemon sauce: Approximately 3g of fats per serving

Proteins

Gingerbread: Approximately 2g of proteins per serving

Lemon sauce: Approximately 1g of proteins per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Gingerbread: Contains small amounts of iron and calcium

Lemon sauce: Contains small amounts of vitamin C

Alergens

Contains eggs and milk

Summary

This dessert is a moderate source of carbohydrates and fats, with small amounts of proteins and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Gingerbread with Lemon Sauce is a delightful dessert that combines the warm, spicy flavors of gingerbread with the bright and tangy taste of lemon sauce. This classic treat is perfect for any occasion and is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Ginger Bread with Lemon Sauce. It was a crisp autumn day, the leaves were changing colors and the air was filled with the scent of cinnamon and nutmeg. I had been walking through my local farmer's market, browsing the stalls for fresh produce when a sweet aroma caught my attention.

I followed the scent to a small booth where an elderly woman was selling baked goods. She had a warm smile and twinkling eyes that seemed to hold a thousand stories. I struck up a conversation with her and she told me that the recipe for the ginger bread had been passed down through her family for generations.

As she spoke, I could see the passion and love she had for baking in every word. She explained how the combination of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves gave the bread a warm and spicy flavor, perfect for the fall season. And the lemon sauce added a refreshing tanginess that balanced out the sweetness of the bread.

I knew I had to learn how to make this delicious treat for myself. So, I asked the woman if she would be willing to share the recipe with me. She smiled and nodded, handing me a worn and stained piece of paper with the ingredients and instructions written in elegant script.

I thanked her profusely and headed home, eager to try my hand at baking the ginger bread with lemon sauce. I gathered all the necessary ingredients and began to mix them together, following the instructions carefully. The smell of ginger and spices filled my kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation.

After baking the bread and whipping up the lemon sauce, I eagerly took a bite of the warm ginger bread drizzled with the tangy sauce. The flavors exploded in my mouth, a perfect harmony of sweet and spicy, tart and tangy. I closed my eyes and savored every bite, feeling a sense of warmth and comfort wash over me.

From that day on, the recipe for Ginger Bread with Lemon Sauce became a staple in my kitchen. I would bake it for family gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions. Each time, it never failed to garner compliments and requests for the recipe.

Over the years, I have made some slight tweaks to the original recipe, adding a touch more ginger or a dash of nutmeg to suit my tastes. But the essence of the recipe remains the same – a labor of love passed down through generations.

As I sit here now, thinking back on that fateful day at the farmer's market, I am filled with gratitude for the kind woman who shared her family recipe with me. It has brought me joy and comfort in times of celebration and sorrow, a reminder of the power of food to connect us to our past and nourish our souls.

And so, I continue to bake my Ginger Bread with Lemon Sauce, sharing it with loved ones and passing on the tradition to future generations. For in each bite, I taste not just the flavors of ginger and lemon, but the love and memories that have been baked into this timeless recipe.