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For centuries,gingerbreadhas been an important part of holiday tradition.
It has also provided an opportunity for creatives to impress friends and family with intricate cookies oredible structures.
Did you know that intricate gingerbread cookies in the shape of your partner symbolized romantic love in medieval times?
Saint Gregory of Nicopolos (Photo:Franciscan Media)
The dough was pressed into carefully made wooden molds and painted over with icings and gold leaf.
The history of gingerbread is a fascinating reflection of society, especially the romantic side.
Weve even got a Medieval recipe to help you win extra points for authenticity!
15th Century Manuscript Depicting Banquet (Photo:Harley MS 4372 retrieved by British Library Blog)
The idea gained popularity with the royal court and servants.
Knights gave cookies to maidens with intricate flowers, birds, or their crest for family or country.
Ginger was an expensive spice that indicated the seriousness of someones pursuit.
Medieval Gynger Brede Recipe (Photo:Harley MS 279 retrieved by British Library Blog)
The spice was also sure to warm the body, and hearts, of the receiver.
The gingerbread consumed as part of this romantic custom is not the same recipe we eat today.
Often, white gingerbread was used to help pick up the details of these molds.
SpeculaasSpice| $25.07
And if ou wolt haue it Red, coloure it with Saunderys y-now.
If you did not quite understand the Old English spelling, don’t panic yet.
The blogA Dollop of Historyhas created an easy-to-follow andmodern versionof this recipe.
TexturraWorkshop| $25
Most are inspired by Dutch Speculaas, but the intricate patterns and pressing process remain the same.
you might still enjoy the beautiful details and the romantic stories without making a mess in the kitchen.
OmaMarta| $27.88
GingerLilySweets| $36
GingerLilySweets| $58.80+
GingerLilySweets| $34.60+
