I had a dentist appointment yesterday, so I left Nichelle in charge of helping the boys with their school. One of the projects for their Bible program we're doing this month was to bake gingerbread boys. My boys are so darn picky when it comes to food, but surprisingly, they love gingerbread cookies. Two years ago we did a week long study of The Gingerbread Man. We read a different version each day, did crafts, and then at the end of the week we baked gingerbread cookies. It was that project that inspired my story The Marshmallow Man, which is a retelling of the classic gingerbread story. However, we always try to bake gingerbread men during Christmas and I'm thankful Nichelle was able to help the boys do that yesterday.
I'm a ginger fanatic -- I love everything ginger! It can be gingerbread cookies, gingerbread cake, ginger ale, chocolate covered ginger pieces, gingersnaps, ginger beer, ginger tea, ginger Altoids ... I even cook a chicken dish using lots of ginger. It seems to be one of those ingredients that people either love or hate -- I love the stuff! I've never gotten into baking elaborate gingerbread houses. We did one from a kit once, which the kids enjoyed. Mostly, we bake gingerbread men and an occasional gingerbread cake. Gingerbread has been around for a long time. Click here to read more about the history of gingerbread. Ginger has been used for centuries as a medicine for colds, flues, headaches, sore throats, even to cure fatigue. In addition, here are some things other countries use ginger for ...
- India -- uses ginger in lentil curry dishes.
- South India -- uses ginger to make candy.
- Bangladesh -- uses ginger in chicken and meat dishes.
- Burma -- uses ginger in medicine.
- Indonesia -- uses ginger in beverages.
- Vietnam -- uses ginger leaves in soup.
- China -- uses ginger as candy and in teas.
- Japan -- pickles ginger to put on noodles.
- Korea -- uses ginger in kimchi paste.
- France -- uses ginger in an alcohol called Canton.
- UK -- uses ginger to make wine.
- Caribbean -- uses ginger in a Christmas drink called Sorrel.
- Jamaica -- uses ginger to make beer.
- Greece -- also uses ginger to make beer.
- MidEast -- uses ginger in coffee.
- Africa -- uses ground ginger in a juice called Nyamanku.
I love ginger, but not gingerbread!
ReplyDeleteReba, I just love your posts like this. I love learning, period. And you make it a joy! :)
ReplyDeleteI only like ginger in cookies.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter used to get carsick and eating gingersnaps before trips was the only thing that helped her.
I enjoy ginger very much - in foods like biscuits, curries and drinks. it is good for getting rid of wind too!! I've also told The Gingerbread man story to children and they love the chase:) merry Xmas and A happy new year to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteGinger is one of the best all around "herbs" there is. It goes well with just about anything. It aids in digestion and, when added to beans reduces the amount of (ahem) gas that might be produced.
ReplyDeleteToo funny that I am reading this right now. I just finished helping Vince make gingersnaps. He cooks it but doesn't have the patience to make the little round balls and roll them in the sugar so that becomes my job! (Not really cooking so my reputation is still safe!) And since I love gingersnaps, I don't mind helping! Yummy!
ReplyDeleteI like gingersnaps, but not real keen on things like gingerbread. I don't use it in cooking either. Your gingerbread man is cute!
ReplyDeleteNancy