Almost Every Culture Has Their Gingerbread

Even while shopping at Ikea, you can purchase gingerbread! It may be called something else, but essentially it is gingerbread. Actually Walmart sells these in a different wrapper, so you do not have to go to Ikea. But if I had my choice, I would choose Ikea. Shopping there is always a treat.

Memaw has her version of gingerbread in Just Plain Cooking.

Gingerbread (Memaw's)

1 1/4 cup flour

3/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ginger

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/3 cup shortening

1/2 cup sugar

1/3 cup molasses

1 egg

1/2 cup boiling water

Sift together first 6 ingredients.

Cream shortening and sugar.

Add molasses and egg. Beat well.

Blend in dry ingredients gradually. Mix thoroughly.

Add 1/2 cup boiling water and stir until smooth.

Bake in well greased 8" x 8" square pan in a moderate oven at 350 degrees F for 15 to 20 minutes or until done.

Serve warm with a lemon sauce.

Lemon Sauce (Memaw's)

2/3 cup sugar

2/3 cup water

1 egg yolk

3 tablespoons flour

Juice and grated rind from one lemon

Mix sugar, flour, and water in a sauce pan.

Heat over medium heat until it comes to a boil and begins to thicken. Stir constantly.

Beat egg yolk in a cup. Gradually add a little hot mixture to the beaten egg. Stir so the egg will not turn to scrambled egg. Add egg to hot mixture. Blend well.

Remove from heat and add lemon juice and rind.

Spoon over cake.

(I ate this version of gingerbread and thought that the lemon sauce on top was good, but personally, I like gingerbread all by itself. No sauce is needed!)