One can say that the person who invented gingerbread men actually influenced a lasting love of many people towards sweet stuff and biscuit or cookie moulds.
The Legend of the Gingerbread Men
Many say that it was Queen Elizabeth I who invented gingerbread men. This respected queen of England was said to have the first gingerbread men made into the image of the queen’s courtiers. This was done as such so it could serve as small gifts to be given to them.
Some say that this is merely a myth. Others say it is reality.
Other Interesting Notes on Gingerbread Men
After that first batch of delicious gingerbread men, it was said that the English went to America and brought ginger with them to the USA colonies. And, perhaps, you can say that this delicious sweet treat spread throughout the land.
There were even some accounts that mentioned the use of ginger cookies as a means of persuasion to voters in Virginia. This was given to the people so they, in turn, would elect the candidates that would be working in the House of Burgesses.
Perhaps, because the use of gingerbread men became more famous, the brothers Grimm soon wrote the fairy tale, Hansel and Gretel, which modernized the use of gingerbread. This story was written and published during the 19th century.
Pertinent Information to Bear in Mind
There are a few things to learn if you’re going to think of making gingerbread men.
The term “ginger” is actually taken from the Sanskrit word “srngaveram” meaning “horn root.”
In the olden days, particularly, in Medieval England, the term gingerbread came from the Old French word “gingebras” which, in turn, was taken from the Latin term “zingebar.” Gingerbread meant “preserved ginger” in England.
There are other incarnations and other developments of gingerbread.
Some even say that this is made using breadcrumbs or almonds, and others use sweet dough baked in different shapes. The sweeteners throughout the years also vary – sugar, molasses, treacle, or honey.
A Simple Recipe of Gingerbread Men
To make gingerbread men, you would need about three fourths cup of unsulphured molasses, about one to one half sticks of butter (that would also be equivalent to three fourths cup of butter if you choose to use cups for measuring your butter), three and two thirds of sifted all-purpose flour, a teaspoon of baking powder, a teaspoon of salt, egg, cinnamon, ginger, brown sugar, and half a teaspoon of baking soda.
The next thing to do is to warm your molasses using a saucepan. Be sure not to make this boil. Remove and add butter. Set aside.
Whisk salt, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, brown sugar, baking soda, and flour using a large bowl. Add egg and the mixture of molasses you made earlier. Mix well. Then, refrigerate until you notice the dough to become stiff and easy to roll.
Divide dough in half. Put the other half in the fridge. Roll the other half.
Using a cookie cutter, cut the dough into shapes, and place on cookie sheets. Bake for about twelve to fifteen minutes. Cool. And serve.
You may probably think that the early version made by Queen Elizabeth I, who is believed to be the first person who invented gingerbread men, may have been simpler. But no one can really say that they actually use ginger as one of the ingredients since most of the gingerbread recipes nowadays do not contain ginger at all.