Christmas is getting earlier and earlier each year, with the shops already selling season merchandise for a month already - I think the middle of Autumn is pretty shameful for a mid-winter holiday. Yet as the old adage goes, When in Rome, make gingerbread.
Since Smallsteps can't eat normal gingerbread and doesn't really eat much that wouldn't be considered healthy, we decided to experiment a little with a special mix that my wife had found. This also gave a good excuse to use one of the cookie cutters I bought Smallsteps from Vienna last year after being given the gift prompt as, "fox".
Unfortunately, my wife made the first round of dough too thin, so they are more cat-like than fox-like - but I did manage this one as a test. It is pretty cute.
Smallsteps really enjoyed the cutting the shapes part, though she wasn't so great at placing it on the dough to lessen wastage. Looks like she will never work in a clothing sweatshop, so there is that parental dream dashed.
It is good fun baking with kids as they get so into it and take it so seriously, yet at the same time have the joy of sanctioned messiness. Smallsteps really enjoys it and she was baking special rolls for herself yesterday with her grandma. While gingerbread might not be the most fantastic food, if you want kids to appreciate what they are eating more and widen their range, including them in the cooking process is a great way - plus when they are a bit older, they will also be able to look after themselves earlier and prep a little food. It doesn't have to be Master Chef.
The ginger bread we made wasn't bad, but it wasn't quite the same as normal either. While I am happy to eat gingerbread all year round, most Finns only eat it for Christmas and the traditional Finnish style is hard, not soft and chewy like the German version. We had the neighbors over for a glass of wine last night and we offered gingerbread with blue cheese - don't knock it til you've tried it.
Smallsteps and I used the dough leftovers to make some shapes, which I cut out freehand with a knife - A giraffe, a mouse, a bird and a worm - as well as a gift. This baking day was a dry run and we might try to put together a house for christmas that we can place a candle in - though that is going to depend on our own house renovations as well. We are hosting Christmas this year and the dining area will likely be a largely empty room with a table and some candles.
And oh, Smallsteps at least really enjoyed her first gingerbread and we will have to keep an eye out for any reactions she might have in the coming day or two. Hopefully, there is nothing too major.
Ah, and the gift. In honor of my bro's Weekend Engagement post that is all about food this weekend, I baked him something he can get his mouth around :D
Right, I will have to head over to the Engage the Weekend post to add some comments of my own now - if you haven't yet, check it out :)
Taraz
[ Gen1: Hive ]