OUR SPICY TREATS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

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Just look at these scrumptious creations. Now can you blame us for wanting to share...

STAFF PHOTO

Recently, MOTHER's staff taste-tested several ginger recipes for this issue's Herb Garden column. And after sampling—or should we say devouring—the holiday fixings, we couldn't resist offering instruction for some additional spice-filled treats, along with the honors-winning recipe given on page 101. So the top four runners-up are presented here . . . as well as sourcebook information and some notes based on our own cooking experience.

CHRISTMAS LOAF GINGERBREAD

This recipe, like the Crown of Ginger-bread included in MOTHER's Herb Garden, is adapted from Louis de Gouy's The Bread Tray . . . available from Dover Publications—Dept. TMEN, 180 Varick Street, New York, New York 10014—for $4.00 (plus 75¢ shipping and handling, or $1.25 if ordering two or more copies).

Start preparing the fruity-flavored delicacy by sifting together 4 cups of bread flour, 2 teaspoons of baking soda, 1-1/2 teaspoons of ginger, 3/4 teaspoon of salt, 1-1/2 teaspoons of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of cloves, and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg. To this dry mixture add 1/4 cup each of chopped nuts, seedless raisins, and mixed chopped candied fruit (we also included 2 tablespoons of minced preserved ginger).

In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of melted butter or other shortening (we used vegetable shortening), 1 cup of buttermilk (our recommendation) or sour milk, 1 cup of molasses, 1 cup of honey, and 4 whole eggs. Beat the liquid ingredients until they're thoroughly blended, then add that mixture to the dry combination and stir vigorously. Pour your prepared batter into two generously greased bread pans (MOTHER's chefs dusted the tins with ground ginger first) and bake the loaves at 350°F for 50 to 55 minutes, or until the centers are firm. Cool the holiday bread before slicing, and serve the sections with whipped cream topping. You can store leftover pieces—if there are any —in a plastic bag in the refrigerator.

GINGERBREAD PEOPLE

The Junior League of Shreveport, Louisiana included this recipe in its book, Revel, which is available for $11.20 postpaid from Books Unlimited (Dept. TMEN, P.O. Box 4648, Shreveport, Louisiana 71104). The transforming touch which makes this soft cookie so delectable is provided by the freshly grated orange peel.

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