Gingerbread Fudge Recipe - A New Christmas Classic (2024)

FAQs

What is the origin of gingerbread at Christmas? ›

Food historians trace the origins of gingerbread back to the ancient Egyptians, who used it for ceremonial purposes. The ancient Greeks followed suit with the first known recipe for gingerbread around 2400 B.C.

Elizabeth I of England surprised guests with “biscuits” that were designed in their likeness. Its association with the holiday season, which didn't come until later, is likely a practical one: Some people attribute the tradition to the weather, as ginger has a comforting way of warming the person who is eating it.

Legend traces gingerbread men back to Queen Elizabeth I, who supposedly had her cooks mold the pastry into the shapes of her favorite courtiers and liked to give VIP guests ginger "biscuits" that were edible caricatures.

Today, the ultimate Christmas gingerbread incarnation is of course the gingerbread house. It has been suggested that these edible structures originated in Germany between the 16th and 18th centuries. The trend for gingerbread houses must have spread to Britain at some point during the nineteenth century.

Lebkuchen, a delectable German gingerbread, has a rich history steeped in tradition, dating back centuries. Originating in the medieval monasteries of Franconia, these spiced treats have evolved over time, becoming an integral part of German holiday festivities.

Long before it became a holiday treat, gingerbread was a royal favorite, a token of fertility, and a tool for witches to exact their vengeance. The pudgy gingerbread man with his candy eyes and icing smile has a sinister backstory—a link to death and the demonic.

Religious gingerbread reliefs were purchased for the particular religious events, such as Christmas and Easter. The decorated gingerbreads were given as presents to adults and children, or given as a love token, and bought particularly for weddings, where gingerbreads were distributed to the wedding guests.

The habit of eating gingerbread cookies during Christmas soon became a staple as many saw them as unique gifts. Many also decorated their Christmas trees with gingerbread men or houses, leading to an increase in their popularity.

What is America's first favorite cookie? ›

Nearly 93% of all American households serve and enjoy cookies as treats or after meals. However, it's the chocolate chip cookie that's the most popular in the U.S. and around the world.

History. Modern Christmas cookies can trace their history to recipes from Medieval Europe biscuits, when many modern ingredients such as cinnamon, ginger, black pepper, almonds and dried fruit were introduced into the west.

In 2018, the highest levels of gingerbread per capita consumption was registered in the Netherlands (2,361 kg per 1000 persons), followed by Germany (886 kg per 1000 persons), Belgium (799 kg per 1000 persons) and Spain (748 kg per 1000 persons), while the world average per capita consumption of gingerbread was ...

Gingerbread became widely available in the 18th century. Gingerbread came to the Americas with settlers from Europe.

Oblaten Lebkuchen are distinguished by a signature edible wafer (collectively called Oblaten in German) on the bottom. The wafers are made from wheat flour, starch, and water.

Wondering what an old couple, a cookie, farm animals, and a clever fox have to do with the most wonderful time of the year? We don't blame you; there's really nothing Christmas-y about the classic fairytale. But, despite that, the gingerbread man is a holiday staple that's loved far and wide.

Gingerbread makes the perfect year round gift

They certainly make a lovely edible gift for family and friends as they can be decorated so individually and beautifully with icing, sweets and ribbons making them almost too good to eat.

The tale of ''The Gingerbread Man'' is one of hubris. The Gingerbread Man is convinced that he is invincible and cannot be caught by anything. Unfortunately, his pride leads to his undoing. He overestimates his cunning and speed, and he ends up being devoured by a fox.

Gingerbread has no ties to Christianity, its history goes back to Saturnalia and the pagan holiday of YULE. Ginger symbolizes passion, cinnamon — love and prosperity, and nutmeg — warmth.