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July 1st: National Gingersnap Day

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July 1st offers a couple different “National” food holidays- It’s National Gingersnap Day! Ginger snaps are relatively low in calories and the delicious ginger within them can offer numerous health benefits which include anti-inflammatory properties, help treat nausea, fight heart disease and more. Here are several tasty recipes for gingersnap cookies to help you celebrate . . .
Gingersnap cookies are believed to have originated in Franconia, Germany where they were first prepared by medieval monks during the early 13th century. Most gingersnap recipes contain molasses, brown sugar, cloves, ginger and cinnamon. The longer they cook the crunchier they become. To make a soft chewy gingersnap cookie, simply add 2 tsp of cornstarch to your favorite gingersnap recipe.

When I was a kid I had an old Depression era cookbook and in it I discovered a recipe for Bacon Fat Gingersnap cookies! It was a fun recipe and the bacon-fat imparted a slightly smoky flavor to an otherwise perfectly seasoned cookie. If you’re looking for something a bit unique, give these cookies a try:

Bacon Fat Ginger Snap Cookies
3/4 c. bacon grease
1 c. sugar
1 egg
1/4 c. molasses
2 c. flour
2 tsp. soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
3/4 tsp. cloves
3/4 tsp. ginger

Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl, mixing well to incorporate. Roll the dough into small balls, roll in a bit of granulated sugar and place on a greased cookie sheet (or a cookie sheet covered with parchment paper)

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the cookies are dark brown. Let cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.

Gingersnaps are so popular in Germany that they’re actually a main ingredient in Gravy, known as Sauerbraten. Here are a few more Gingersnap recipes to enjoy . . .


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