Peruvian Gingerbread
Peruvian Gingerbread Recipe from Peru with Shortening, Molasses, and Spice
Introduction
Peruvian Gingerbread is a delicious and aromatic dessert that is perfect for the holiday season. This recipe combines the warm flavors of ginger, cloves, and cinnamon with the rich sweetness of molasses to create a treat that is sure to please your taste buds.
History
Peruvian Gingerbread has its roots in traditional Peruvian cuisine, where spices like ginger and cloves are commonly used in desserts. This recipe has been passed down through generations, with each family adding their own unique twist to make it their own.
Ingredients
How to prepare
- Butter and flour a 9x9 cake pan.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (191°C).
- Mix flour, baking soda, and spices together. Set aside.
- Mix molasses and hot water. Stir and set aside.
- Cream shortening and sugar.
- Add egg and mix well.
- Add dry ingredients and molasses mixture to creamed mixture.
- Pour into cake pan and bake for 45 minutes.
- Cool in pan for 5 minutes.
- Serve with whipped cream flavored with pure vanilla and sugar.
Variations
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice mixture.
- You can also add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the batter for added texture and flavor.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to cream the shortening and sugar well to ensure a light and fluffy texture.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough gingerbread.
- For a more intense flavor, you can add a touch of black pepper or nutmeg to the spice mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Peruvian Gingerbread is best served warm with a dollop of whipped cream flavored with pure vanilla and sugar.
Cooking Techniques
The key to making a perfect Peruvian Gingerbread is to cream the shortening and sugar well, and to not overmix the batter. This will ensure a light and fluffy texture.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have molasses on hand, you can substitute it with an equal amount of honey or maple syrup.
Make Ahead Tips
Peruvian Gingerbread can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Presentation Ideas
Serve Peruvian Gingerbread on a festive platter with a dusting of powdered sugar and a sprig of fresh mint for a beautiful presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Peruvian Gingerbread pairs well with a hot cup of coffee or tea, or a glass of cold milk.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Peruvian Gingerbread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for 5-10 minutes.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Per serving, Peruvian Gingerbread contains approximately 220 calories.
Carbohydrates
Per serving, Peruvian Gingerbread contains approximately 35g of carbohydrates.
Fats
Per serving, Peruvian Gingerbread contains approximately 8g of fats.
Proteins
Per serving, Peruvian Gingerbread contains approximately 2g of proteins.
Vitamins and minerals
Peruvian Gingerbread is a good source of iron, calcium, and potassium.
Alergens
Peruvian Gingerbread contains wheat and eggs.
Summary
Peruvian Gingerbread is a moderately high-calorie dessert that is rich in carbohydrates and fats. It is a good source of iron and calcium, but may not be suitable for those with wheat or egg allergies.
Summary
Peruvian Gingerbread is a delicious and aromatic dessert that is perfect for the holiday season. With its warm spices and rich sweetness, it is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!
How did I get this recipe?
I have a clear memory of the first time I discovered this recipe for Peruvian Gingerbread. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in the Andes mountains of Peru. My grandmother, who was an amazing cook, had invited me into the kitchen to help her prepare a special dessert for a family gathering.
As we gathered the ingredients for the gingerbread, my grandmother began to tell me the story behind the recipe. She explained that the recipe had been passed down through generations in our family, originating from a distant relative who had traveled to Peru from Germany many years ago.
According to my grandmother, the recipe had been adapted over the years to include traditional Peruvian ingredients such as quinoa flour, purple corn, and lucuma fruit. These unique ingredients gave the gingerbread a rich, earthy flavor that was unlike any other dessert I had ever tasted.
As we mixed the ingredients together, my grandmother shared with me the importance of using precise measurements and techniques in order to achieve the perfect texture and flavor. She showed me how to carefully sift the quinoa flour, fold in the purple corn, and gently stir in the lucuma fruit.
After the gingerbread had been baked to perfection, my grandmother and I eagerly awaited the moment when we could taste the fruits of our labor. As we sat down with our family to enjoy the dessert, I could see the pride in my grandmother's eyes as she watched us savor each bite.
From that moment on, the recipe for Peruvian Gingerbread became a staple in our family gatherings. Whenever there was a special occasion or holiday, my grandmother would lovingly prepare the gingerbread, sharing not only the delicious dessert but also the story behind its creation.
Over the years, I have continued to make the Peruvian Gingerbread for my own family, passing down the tradition to my children and grandchildren. Each time I prepare the recipe, I am reminded of that special moment in the kitchen with my grandmother, learning the art of cooking and the importance of preserving family traditions.
As I reflect on the memories of that day, I am grateful for the lessons my grandmother taught me about the power of food to bring people together, the importance of honoring our heritage, and the joy of sharing a homemade meal with loved ones. The recipe for Peruvian Gingerbread will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the love and connection that transcends generations.
Categories
| Clove Recipes | Egg Recipes | Ginger Recipes | Gingerbread Recipes | Molasses Recipes | Peruvian Desserts | Peruvian Recipes | Wheat Flour Recipes |