Thomas Jefferson's Favorite...Ginger Cakes!

Christmas just isn't Christmas without Gingerbread cookies! It comes to no surprise that Thomas Jefferson felt the same way. One of Jefferson’s favorite desserts was known as “ginger cakes”. They are as close as you can get to today’s ginger bread cookies! If you ever visit Duke of Gloucester Street in Colonial Williamsburg, you will easily find them at the Confectionery! 

Here is a special colonial holiday recipe to enjoy making with family at Christmas time. Enjoy!

 Ingredients

1 cup sugar, 2 tsps. ginger, 1 tsp. nutmeg, 1 tsp. cinnamon, 1/2 tsp. salt, 1 and 1/2 tsps. baking soda, 1 cup margarine (melted), 1/2 cup evaporated milk, 1 cup unsulfurred molasses, 3/4 tsps. vanilla extract (optional), 3/4 tsps. lemon extract (optional), 4 cups stone-ground or unbleached flour (unsifted) 

Combine the sugar, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda. Mix well. Add the melted margarine, evaporated milk, and molasses. Add the extracts if desired. Mix well. Add the flour 1 cup at a time, stirring constantly.  The dough should be stiff enough to handle without sticking to fingers. Knead the dough for a smoother texture. Add up to 1/2 cup additional four if necessary to prevent sticking.  When the dough is smooth, roll it out 1/4 inch thick on a floured surface and cut it into cookies.  Bake on floured or greased cookie sheet in a preheated 375 degree F. oven for 10-12 minutes. The cookies are done if they spring back when touched.  

As did Jefferson, accompany your ginger cakes with a glass of his favorite Madeira wine...if you must!

Tags: ginger cakes recipe, ginger cakes, Raleigh Tavern Cookbook Colonial Williamsburg

See more of Thomas Jefferson’s favorite recipes in book, Thomas Jefferson-From Boy to Man.

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For more of the Jefferson's favorite colonial recipes, read my book Thomas Jefferson-From Boy to Man.  To read about book, book reviews, author bio and purchase book/audio book, visit:

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