If there was one smell that says ‘It’s Christmas’ it would definitely be gingerbread. Whether it be cookies, bread or making gingerbread houses, that smell wafting through my house is the start of the season for me. I also am a stickler for healthy eating so my aim was to create a super healthy Christmas recipe that would taste 1) amazing (of course) and 2) trick everyone to think they are having a treat while I’m secretly nourishing them with goodness.
The flavours in this recipe come from a yummy blend of Christmas spices; nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves and ginger. If possible try to buy your spices in small quantities as they lose their flavour super quickly if left sitting in a jar for months on end. This is especially so for nutmeg. The best way to buy nutmeg is to buy it whole and grate what you need when you need it. Believe me the difference in fresh nutmeg is unbelievably different than using a powdered one.
The sweetness in this bread comes only from blackstrap molasses which I discovered from the lovely people in my local health store. This nutrient rich low GI syrup is just amazing! Not only can it be used in cooking, they recommend people add a tablespoon to water for extra iron, calcium, copper and chromium in their diet so I figured it would be the perfect addition to my gingerbread.
I was really surprised at how deliciously light and spongey this recipe turned out and when I broke down the ingredients how good for you this cake really is. It is high in protein, is deeply spiced with Christmas cheer and perfectly balanced in richness. Agreed it contains no brown sugar or treacle, the usual ingredients for traditional gingerbread but I guarantee that you will make this recipe time and time again for your little ones and the big ones too.
To make this into a yummy present – layer the dry ingredients into a medium sized jar. I added the flour first, then the spices. I wrapped the jar with some beautiful Christmas ribbon then using a smaller jar spooned in the correct measurement of blackstrap molasses and vanilla extract. Finally add a gift tag to say – just cream me with 8 eggs and 125ml of milk then fold in the jar of flour and spices and bake at 180ºC for 40 minutes.
Lots of Love and a very healthy Christmas to you all,
Aileen & Oscar xoxoxo
4 more sleeps till Santa!!!! Yipppeeee
A soft & super nutritious gingerbread loaf is the perfect recipe for a healthy Christmas for baby led weaning & makes a yummy present from your little one
Using a hand blender or mixer, beat the eggs, blackstrap molasses and butter together until it becomes smooth and creamy then beat in the milk and vanilla until totally combined.
Slowly beat in the flour, baking powder and spices until the mixture resembles a thick batter.
I used 4 mini loaf tins lined with parchment paper but you can also use 2 large ones as well. Fill the tins 3/4 ways to the top as the cake will rise.
Bake in the oven for 35-40 minutes if using the mini loaf tins or 50-60 minutes for the larger tins. When cooked a skewer should come out clean.
These sound absolutely delicious and so festive! I love the idea of using the flavor of ginger in baby’s food and I have a thing for making “mini” versions of things, so mini loaves are perfect. I will definitely be trying this recipe soon. Happy New Year! Would love it if you would check out my site at http://www.familystylenutrition.com/ for some more BLW ideas and tips 🙂
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