Winterized

I'm really hoping for the forthcoming Christmas to be perfectly white, but the long range weather forecast has once again left me quite disillusioned...The terrible truth is that I can't even recall the very last time we experienced a decent snowfall at the end of December! And since this particular holiday season just doesn't feel right without white spots and snowmen all around the neighbourhood, I've decided to take a stab at recreating some wintery bits in the comfort of my own kitchen...

Honey Gingerbread Cookies:

2 1/2 (about 600g) cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 teaspoon ground cloves

2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

250g margarine or butter

200g muscovado sugar

7 tablespoons honey

For the Royal Icing check out Martha Stewart's recipe here!

Sift together the flour, baking soda, spices, and set aside.

In a saucepan, over medium heat, combine muscovado sugar, butter (or margarine) and honey. Stir to make sure the butter has melted and the sugar has dissolved. Let the mixture cool a bit, then gradually work in the dry ingredients to form a soft dough.

On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to 1/3 centimetre thickness. Cut out desired shapes. Transfer to parchment-lined baking sheets and bake in the preheated oven until edges are slightly browned (about 10-15 minutes). Let cool completely before decorating. And then... just work your magic all over them!!!

Just can't wait to decorate my Christmas tree with these cuties!