Page 122 - 201415_TOH_Cookbook

GINGERBREAD PALS
LUBINSKY FAMILY, SADDLE BROOK, NJ
INGREDIENTS
Makes approximately 24 cookies, depending on the size of the cookie cutter
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for rolling out the dough
2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1/4 teaspoon salt 3/4 cup firmly packed dark
brown sugar
1/2 cup (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened
About 1 1/2 tablespoons milk Decorating icing in assorted colors
“This is the first holiday treat that four- year-old Jessica and I ever cooked togeth- er. Sixteen years later, we continue to bake and decorate these gingerbread pals every Christmas season. We always bake extra for friends. Jess has become quite creative with the icing pen and makes each ‘pal’ unique.” Donna Lubinsky
ftfttttPREPARATION 1. Adjust the racks so they are in the center of the oven and preheat oven to 375°F. Oil a couple of rimmed bak- ing sheets. Have a wire cooling rack, a rolling pin and a gingerbread “pal” or other cookie cutter ready.
2. In a bowl, add the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and salt, stirring with a wooden spoon to combine.
3. In the bowl, cream together the sugar and butter with an electric beater until well-blended and light- er in color. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula to combine. Beat in the milk briefly. Turn the mixer on low speed and gradually mix in the flour. When the dough becomes too stiff, scrape off the beaters and blend in the remaining flour with your hands.
4. Divide the dough in half and roll each half into a ball. Lightly dust a work surface and a rolling pin with flour. Roll each ball into a large rectangle 1/8- to 1/4-inch thick. Press the cookie cutter firmly down into the dough and transfer to the baking sheet. Repeat, re-rolling as needed, until all the dough is used. If it starts to crack and look dry, add a splash of milk.
5. Bake cookies until lightly browned on top, 10 minutes. Cool on wire racks. When completely cool, deco- rate with icing as you wish.
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