Saturday, December 31, 2011

Gingerbread Squares

Here's the perfect sweet treat to offer your host or hostess as you ring in the New Year.  These tasty gingerbread squares make the perfect gift packed in a parchment-lined cookie tin.  Although cut into very small (1 and 3/4-inch) squares to feed a crowd, you could also cut larger squares for a quick snack-time treat at home.

Ingredients:
  • 1 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 cup vegan sugar
  • 1/2 cup vegan buttermilk*
  • 1/2 cup molasses
  • 1/3 cup melted vegan butter
  • 1 Ener-G egg
  • Cooking spray
  • 1 tablespoon vegan powdered sugar
1. Lightly spoon the flour into dry measuring cups and level with a knife.  Combine the flour in a bowl with the ginger, cinnamon, and baking soda; set aside.

2. In a large bowl, combine the sugar, buttermilk, molasses, butter, and Ener-G egg, whisking until smooth.  Add the flour mixture and stir to combine.


3. Spoon the batter into a 9-inch square baking pan coated with cooking spray and bake at 350 degrees for about 25 minutes; a wooden pick inserted in the center should come out clean (you may need to bake a couple minutes longer).  Cool in the pan on a wire rack before sprinkling evenly with the powdered sugar.  Cut into 25 small squares. 


*To prepare the buttermilk, place 1 and 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice in a liquid measuring cup, and fill with plain non-dairy milk to equal 1/2 cup.  Let stand for 5 minutes to clabber (sour) before adding to the recipe as directed.

Nutrition Info:
25 servings (1 square), Calories 84 

Tasting Notes:
Deep, dark molasses taste - almost chocolate-y.  These yummy little squares had a very old-fashioned feel and flavor, and were closer to brownies than cookies.  My complaint is that they were more molasses squares than gingerbread squares; I'd increase the spices next time. Although I wondered about the small portion sizes, a little really goes a long way with these tasty bites, since the flavor is rich and intense.

Rating:
4

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