Friday, December 23, 2011

Vegan xmas: Gingerbread!

Breakfast: Gingerbread piggies.....it is Christmas!

Lunch: Vegetable curry with brown rice

Dinner: Potatoes, steamed asparagus, tofu steaks and mushrooms in spicy coconut sauce


I don't know whether it's the state of economies the world over, a push against crap products or an attempt to be more personal and eco-savvy, but this year a whole bunch of people I know have taken to making presents for people rather than buying them. Though I am a consummate present buyer by nature, I have jumped on this train too, making mulled cider and choc chip cookie dough truffles to give out to friends too.

This gingerbread recipe came about as Putin realised he had nothing to give to his workmates. What better than gingerbread? These little piggies (what? it was the only cutter I had!) came out absolutely perfectly, and were an ideal balance of soft and crunchy.

You'll need:
(Makes about 20-24)
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup molasses
1/2 cup oil
1/2 cup water
Egg replacer: 2 tsp baking powder
2 tbsp water
1 tbsp oil

Method:
Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius and grease a baking tray with oil / vegan margarine
Sieve together the flour, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, sugar and baking powder and stir together
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg replacer ingredients (baking powder, water and oil) until it becomes gelatinous
Add the vanilla extract, oil and molasses to the egg replacer bowl and stir to mix
Stir the wet bowl into the dry and combine well
Add as much of the 1/2 cup water you need to make a firm dough that is not sticky
Knead the dough lightly for a minute or so then roll out onto a floured surface at a thickness which will yield around 20 cookies (about 2 cms)
Cut out the shape of your choice and place onto the baking tray
Bake for 12 minutes
Allow to cool, ice, and enjoy!

Depending on the thickness of your dough, these may take a little more or less time to cook, so bring them out at 8 mins to check - they should be a little spongey on top still.

These are such a lovely treat for a cold day, and when cut into your favourite shape they make a great little gift for someone around you without breaking the bank. Go forth and make your own presents!

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