Here's something to keep you and the kids busy this half term - a lovely, simple recipe for Gingerbread Men from Nikki Povey, founder of the Kids Cooking Co. Nikki is passionate about getting children in the kitchen, and has developed a range of cute, fun cooking equipment for children.
Nikki says: Cooking has always been a passion of mine and it has always been my intention to pass my love of food onto my two daughters Alisha and Mia. From an early age, they have helped to prepare meals in the kitchen with me and it was always great fun. I think that learning about food from an early age develops a respect for it and therefore inspires a healthy balanced child....of course trying to get them to clean up after themselves is something I'm not sure I can help you with!
Here's Nikki's recipe:
Gingerbread Men Recipe - Makes 20. Takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook, with an additional hour in the fridge required.
Ingredients you will need
- 350g/12oz plain fl our
- 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- 1 medium egg
- 100g/4oz butter
- 175g/6oz soft brown sugar
- 3 tbsp golden syrup
Your equipment
- Sieve
- Mixing bowl
- Mixing spoon
- Clingfilm
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters
- Baking tray
Instructions
1 Preheat your oven to 180°c/Gas Mark 4. Sieve flour, ground ginger and bicarbonate of soda into a mixing bowl. Rub in the butter with your fingertips until crumbly.
2 Add the sugar, syrup and egg and mix with your spoon until it forms a firm pastry. Wrap in clingfilm and pop it in the fridge for one hour.
3. Using the rolling pin roll out the pastry to about 5mm thick. Make sure the surface and rolling pin are well dusted with flour.
4. Cut out the shapes with your cutters. Place on a greased or non-stick baking tray and cook for 10 to 15 minutes in the centre of the oven.
Variations
Decorate your gingerbread cookies with icing and sprinkles!
Adapted from Truly Scrumptious by Nikki Povey More easy recipes by Nikki to make with children here.