On The Menu: Gingerbread

Gingerbread is one of my favorite holiday treats. Over the weekend I made several gingerbread loaves to give as gifts. I love this recipe because it is so easy to make, smells delicious, makes two loaves, and tastes like the holidays. You should whip this recipe up to severe with coffee and hot chocolate on Christmas morning! If you are looking for other gingerbread deliciousness try these gingerbread bars with cream cheese frosting.

Ingredients:
1 cup packed brown sugar
3/4 cup butter or margarine, softened
2 eggs
3/4 cup molasses
1 cup boiling water
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
4 teaspoons ground ginger
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
confectioners sugar for garnish

Directions:
1. Heat oven to 350°F. Grease 2 (8x4-inch) loaf pans with shortening or cooking spray. In large bowl, beat brown sugar and butter with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add eggs; beat well. In small bowl, stir molasses, water and baking soda until well mixed; beat into brown sugar mixture.
2. Gradually stir in flour and remaining bread ingredients until well blended. Spoon batter evenly into pans.
3. Bake 50 to 60 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans on cooling rack 15 minutes; remove from pans. Cool completely, about 1 hour 15 minutes.
4. In small bowl, stir together powdered sugar and enough lemon juice for desired consistency. Brush glaze over cooled loaves. Wrap tightly and store in refrigerator.
5. Garnish with confectioners sugar.