Day 13 of 25 Days of Christmas with BeckyCharms 2012
Day 13: Advent Calendar: {a snowman chocolate candy, which was promptly eaten by my Tiny Baker}
Christmas Movie: The Littlest Angel {on Netflix} and Joseph King of Dreams {animated}
I'm really glad to see you here.. that means you survived 12.12.12. ..too!
I stayed up all last night baking treats and goodies for Mr. Google's coworkers and friends.. "Dear Friends" as the labels read. I didn't go to bed until 6, which in my house is the wakeup call. I'm a bit tired today. God also laughed in my face {like He'd actually do that} by bringing/sending the rain to San Diego. I was planning on getting a coffee and walking around Sea World. No complaints here. We need the rain. Even though we cringe our teeth and suck our thumbs muttering "mama" every time it happens, since our roof is on its last shingle. My mom even suggested nailing white tarps on top. Her words were, "It'll look like snow". Ghett-O! {where can you get white tarps? Anybody know?}
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| Crystallized Ginger, the secret miracle. |
Everyone we know that's getting a little gift is getting Pumpkin Gingerbread, recipe courtesy of King Arthur Flour {KAF}. To.. Die.. For! It's really, really good. I've eaten my fair share, and your fair share, so I know. Have you tried the Gingerbread loaf from Starbucks? I've seen it in the display case, sprinkled with diced crystallized ginger atop a thick layer of icing. I'm not sure how it compares to this recipe, but I know that Starbucks' loaf doesn't have orange zest in the glaze, nor is it homebaked with love.
Gathering all the ingredients challenged me as a human being and law abiding citizen. I drove last night to Grossmont Center to check out Cost Plus World Market. I was looking for the bakeable papers in the shape of a mini loaf. I found them; pack of 6 for $4.99. However, if I were to have bought those, then I would have had to have found wrapping and labels. NO! I remembered that Joanns had some kits by Martha Stewart on sale, with everything included {minus the treat}! I rushed back over to Joanns on Plaza Blvd, parked, shopped, checked out, and hurried to my car. Partly because I was in a hurry to make it to Sprouts, and partly because it's a bit shady over there by the store.. Hello!?! I just don't want any unnecessary drama. {-smile-}
No joke, I pulled into the parking lot, 5 'til 9; closing time. I got out of the car, looked at the cart collector, he looked at me, back at the door, back at the cart guy, I moved toward the door, flashing back at the cart guy, and then at the door.. approaching the "enter", the automatic doors did not automatically move. Fail. But wait. I glanced back at the cart guy, and he said "You can go in through the exit." MIRACLE! TRIUMPH! I smiled my cheery smile. I'd been practicing.
I was in and out in under 10 minutes, and made it all in the {St.} Nick of time! Hooray, Cheer & Triumph in San Diego today!
These mini loaves are a true labor of love. I hope they eat 'em all up, every last scrumdidliumptious bite!
By the way, I made 2 double batches and a single. With the final single batch, I made mini muffin bites. I think I checked them/baked them for like 15 minutes. Keep an eye. Only bake until the middle springs back. Cool them. {I hand-dipped my minis in icing.}
Find the printable recipe for Pumpkin Gingerbread with Orange Zest Glaze here, at BeckyCharms The Recipe.
Pumpkin Gingerbread with Orange Glaze
{Taken from King Arthur Flour Website} This is the BEST cake I've ever had so far...This even works well with a double batch!! Make some minis as well...yumm!!- You can either make this gingerbread as a loaf {mini loaves} or muffins {or round cake or mini muffins}. Either way, the orange glaze adds the perfect finishing touch!
1 1/4 cup (9 ounces) brown sugar
2 3/4 cups (12 1/4 ounces) King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon allspice
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/3 cup (2 ounces) crystallized ginger, minced {I get mine from Cost Plus World Market}
1/2 cup diced pecans or chocolate chips (optional)
3 large eggs
2 tablespoons (1 1/2 ounces) molasses
1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin
Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Prepare your pans -- grease two 8 1/2 x 4 1/2-inch loaf pans for loaves; if you're making muffins, grease 24 muffin cups or line them with muffin papers.
Mix: In a large bowl beat together the butter and brown sugar until well blended. Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, spices, ginger, and nuts, if you're using them, then mix well -- the batter will look crumbly. Add the eggs one at a time, scraping the bottom and sides of the bowl after each addition. Beat in both the molasses and the pumpkin until they are evenly distributed. Finally, stir in the chocolate chips, if you're using them. Scoop the batter into the greased loaf pans or the muffin cups -- filling the cups about 2/3 full.
Bake: Bake the muffins in the preheated 350°F oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until they are lightly browned on the edges and the middle springs back when touched. Bake the loaves at the same temperature for 50 to 55 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted in the middle comes out clean.
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool for 15 minutes before taking it out of the pan(s). Let it cool a bit then glaze, if you like (see below). Yield: 2 loaves or 24 muffins.
Orange Glaze
- 1 1/4 cup (5 ounces) confectioners' sugar
1/8 teaspoon tangerine oil or orange oil OR 1 tablespoon orange zest {I use orange zest}
2 tablespoons (1 ounce) water or milk {I use milk}
For a shiny finish, brush the glaze over the bread or muffins while they're still warm; for a thick white finish, cool the bread completely before glazing. {I love my icing thicker, so I wait until the muffins have cooled!}
If you're looking for something super easy to bake and take this Holiday season, this recipe is for you! With only a handful of ingredients, mainly spices, this cake evokes Cheer in all who are near.
I encourage you to try it.. and don't skip the glaze!
There are a few more gingerbread recipes that I want to try.
- Traditional Norwegian Pepperkaker Recipe: http://bit.ly/norwegianpepperkaker
- Traditional Swedish Pepparkakor Recipe: http://bit.ly/swedishpepparkakor
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http://thefrugalgirls.com/2012/12/christmas-craft-link-party.html
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-Becky Charms
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