GINGERBREAD WOMAN RECIPES

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, allspice, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Set aside. In a mixer, beat the margarine (or butter) and brown sugar until fluffy. Drizzle in the molasses, mixing well and scraping the sides of the bowl a couple of times to make sure it's evenly combined. Add the eggs and maple extract and mix. Add the flour mixture in three batches, beating until just combined after each addition.  Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or more if you have time! When you're ready to bake the cookies, remove the dough from the fridge and preheat the oven to 350 F. When the dough is soft enough to roll but still firm, divide it in half and roll out each half between 2 sheets of plastic wrap (dividing it in half just makes it more manageable.) Cut out shapes of your choosing and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment or a baking mat. Bake for 12-15 minutes, depending on the size of cutters used, until the cookies are baked through but still soft. Remove with a spatula and allow to cool completely. ***IMPORTANT NOTE: Bake for less time if you desire a softer cookie and if cookies are small. Keep an eye on them and don't let them get too crisp. To make the royal icing, beat the powdered sugar, milk, and egg whites until thick but still able to be piped. Transfer to a piping bag fitted with a fine tip (or a squirt bottle.)  Decorate the cookies however you'd like, using icing as an accent and as glue to hold on the candies. Allow icing to set before transporting or serving.

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350F.  For the cake: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, salt, and baking soda. In a medium bowl, stir together the molasses and hot water until fully combined. Whisk in the butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Pour the wet mixture into dry mixture and whisk just until no dry streaks are left (do not over mix).  Spray a 13x9-inch cake pan with baking spray (or grease with butter). Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.  For the frosting: Combine the cream cheese and butter in a large bowl. Beat with a hand mixer (or use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment) until fully combined, about 1 minute. Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until combined. Beat in the lemon zest and continue beating until light and fluffy, 1 more minute. Spread the frosting over the cooled cake. Garnish with candied ginger and gold sparkling sugar, if desired.