Gingerbread spice: 5 recipes to celebrate the flavor of the season
Gingerbread spice is the best flavor of the holiday season. Beyond just those gingerbread cookies, this flavor will captivate your taste buds in many ways.
Gingerbread spice offers a flavor that is warm and comforting, which are two qualities that people crave during the cold, wintry months. While people often think about decorating gingerbread bread houses and leaving Santa a plate of gingerbread men, this particular spice can be used in many recipes.
When it comes to gingerbread spice recipes, the key is to find a dish that balances the spice notes with a hint of sweetness. One of the reasons that these flavored cookies are so beloved is that hint of spice. It isn’t the heat, like a pepper, instead it is a tingling warmth that seems to ward off a chill.
Gingerbread spice combines ginger (the spice/heat) with seasonally favorites like cinnamon, allspice, clove and nutmeg. The combination almost creates both a comforting aroma and taste. In some ways, the flavor and smell can instantly conjure memories of holidays past.
Throughout the holiday season, many people enjoy baking and cooking more. It could be the season or the cold weather that keeps people inside. Whatever the reason, recipes celebrating this particular spice can be quite delicious.
McCormick gingerbread spice delivers warmth ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice to Gingerbread Biscotti. Studded with pecans and oats (biscotti for breakfast, anyone?) these cookies are the perfect dunkers for hot chocolate and coffee _ and good enough to enjoy their sweet, holiday flavor all on their own. photo provided by McCormick
While the classic gingerbread men or gingerbread houses are tasty, those recipes aren’t the only option for this seasonal flavor. Here are a few other options to try this season.
Gingerbread pancakes
Sometimes wintry mornings need a little sweet, yet spicy start. Gingerbread pancakes are a perfect way to start a holiday season morning. These pancakes, even if you don’t shape them like gingerbread men, are fun and festive. This recipe is relatively easy to make. Plus, the kids can even help this morning treat.
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Gingerbread Latte
While your favorite coffee shop probably has a gingerbread latte on the menu, anyone can make a version at home. With a little gingerbread spice, that morning coffee has the flavors of the season. Plus, if you make a version at home, you can control the flavor level. Make the recipe as written, add a little less or even a little more. Plus, this latte tastes great with those holiday pancakes.
Slow Cooker Gingerbread Oatmeal
Growing up, my grandmother always said that oatmeal would stick to your ribs on cold, wintry days. This oatmeal recipe has all the flavors of the holiday season. Plus, this recipe is great to have ready after you have to clear the snowy driveway. After that task, everyone is always famished.
Gingerbread Biscotti
Biscotti is one of those treats that you either love or prefer to skip. This recipe is a nice way to enjoy the flavor of the season. Since biscotti is often dipped into or enjoyed with a coffee, why not go completely gingerbread spice with the gingerbread latte.
Gingerbread Thins
This recipe is a holiday classic. The thin, crispy cookie offers a punch of spice yet still has a touch of sweetness. Whether you enjoy it with a big glass of milk or even a glass of eggnog, this cookie recipe could be a new family favorite.
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