Zesty Gingerbread

Zesty Gingerbread Recipe - Vegetarian Recipe with Lemon, Raisins, and Molasses

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 6 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Zesty Gingerbread is a delicious and flavorful dessert that is perfect for the holiday season. This recipe combines the warm spices of cinnamon, ginger, and allspice with the sweetness of molasses and raisins to create a moist and tasty treat.

History

Gingerbread has been enjoyed for centuries, with its origins dating back to ancient Greece and Egypt. The recipe has evolved over time, with different variations and additions being made to suit different tastes and preferences.

Ingredients

1 medium lemon, grated zest
0.75 cup dark raisins
2 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground allspice
0.5 cup soymilk
0.5 cup molasses
2 tbsp light sesame or safflower oil
1 large egg

How to prepare

1. In a small bowl, toss together the lemon zest and raisins. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the flour and spices. Set aside.
3. In a small bowl, combine all the remaining ingredients. Add the liquid mixture to the flour mixture and stir until just blended.
4. Stir the raisin mixture into the batter, making sure the raisins are evenly distributed.
5. Grease a 9-inch square baking pan and pour the batter into it. Bake in a preheated 350°F (177°C) oven for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool for at least 20 minutes. Cut into squares and serve. This recipe serves 6.

Variations

Add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the batter for added texture and flavor.
Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice for a sweet and tangy finish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to evenly distribute the raisins in the batter to ensure that each bite is filled with sweetness.

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

- Allow the gingerbread to cool completely before cutting into squares to ensure that it holds its shape.

Serving Suggestions

Zesty Gingerbread can be served warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Cooking Techniques

Baking

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use regular milk instead of soymilk in this recipe.

- Canola oil can be used in place of safflower oil.

Make Ahead Tips

Zesty Gingerbread can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Zesty Gingerbread on a festive platter with a dusting of powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Enjoy Zesty Gingerbread with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a cozy and comforting treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Zesty Gingerbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Zesty Gingerbread contains approximately 220 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Zesty Gingerbread contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Zesty Gingerbread contains approximately 5 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Zesty Gingerbread contains approximately 3 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Zesty Gingerbread is a good source of iron, calcium, and vitamin C.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs and wheat.

Summary

Zesty Gingerbread is a delicious dessert that is relatively low in calories and fat, making it a great option for those looking for a sweet treat without the guilt.

Summary

Zesty Gingerbread is a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that is perfect for the holiday season. With warm spices and sweet molasses, this gingerbread is sure to be a hit with family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Zesty Gingerbread. It was a crisp autumn day, the leaves falling in a rainbow of colors outside my kitchen window. I had just returned from a trip to the local farmer's market, where I had picked up some fresh ginger and molasses, two key ingredients for this delectable dessert.

As I carefully gathered the rest of the ingredients – flour, sugar, eggs, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg – I couldn't help but think back to the first time I had tried this gingerbread. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small town in the countryside.

I had always loved to spend time in the kitchen with my mother, watching her create delicious meals and treats from scratch. One day, while flipping through an old cookbook, she came across a recipe for gingerbread that piqued her interest. She decided to give it a try, and I eagerly helped her measure out the ingredients and mix them together.

The aroma that filled the kitchen as the gingerbread baked in the oven was intoxicating. When it finally emerged, golden brown and fragrant, I couldn't wait to sink my teeth into a warm slice. The combination of spicy ginger, sweet molasses, and warm spices was unlike anything I had ever tasted before.

From that moment on, gingerbread became a staple in our household. My mother would make it for special occasions, like birthdays and holidays, and I would always be by her side, eager to learn the secrets of this delicious treat. Over time, I became more and more involved in the baking process, eventually taking over the task of making the gingerbread myself.

As I whisked the ingredients together in a large mixing bowl, I thought about all the memories that this recipe held for me. The time spent with my mother in the kitchen, the joy of sharing a slice of warm gingerbread with friends and family, the comforting aroma that filled our home whenever it was baking in the oven.

I carefully poured the batter into a greased pan and slid it into the oven, setting the timer and eagerly anticipating the moment when I could finally taste the fruits of my labor. As the gingerbread baked, the scent of ginger and spices wafted through the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation.

When the timer finally dinged, I pulled the pan out of the oven and marveled at the golden-brown perfection before me. I let it cool for a few minutes before slicing into it, savoring the moist, tender crumb and the zesty kick of ginger with each bite.

As I sat down to enjoy a slice of my freshly baked gingerbread, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the journey that had brought me to this moment. The countless hours spent in the kitchen with my mother, the lessons learned from trial and error, the joy of sharing this recipe with those I loved – all of it had led me to this perfect slice of zesty gingerbread.

And as I savored the last crumb, I knew that this recipe would continue to hold a special place in my heart for years to come. It was more than just a dessert – it was a reminder of the love and memories that had shaped me into the baker I am today.