It seems like Christmas comes earlier and earlier each year. The other day, I was at Macy's and was shocked to see that the Christmas trees were already up and they were selling Christmas decorations. I mean, come on, it's not even Halloween yet. That said, treats are a year-round thing, so I see nothing wrong with trying out recipes in preparation for those Christmas platters and gift baskets.
For this week's 12 Weeks of Christmas Cookies, I decided to make Martha Stewart's Iced Hermits. They are loaded with a triple ginger kick - ginger powder, candied ginger in the bars themselves, AND a sprinkling of more candied ginger on top.
The final result is oh so good. Chewy, spicy bars and the icing is not to be skipped, it is literally the icing on the cake. It all made for a delicious experience. Plus, the candied ginger on top makes them look all sparkly, almost like Christmas ornaments themselves. Yes, Christmas in the stores can wait, but as for the Christmas treats, I say bring them on!
The final result is oh so good. Chewy, spicy bars and the icing is not to be skipped, it is literally the icing on the cake. It all made for a delicious experience. Plus, the candied ginger on top makes them look all sparkly, almost like Christmas ornaments themselves. Yes, Christmas in the stores can wait, but as for the Christmas treats, I say bring them on!
1/2 c. butter
1 3/4 c. flour
3/4 tsp. baking powder
3/4 tsp. baking soda
1 Tbsp. ginger powder
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. white pepper
pinch cloves
1 1/4 c. dark brown sugar (I used light brown)
1 egg
1 egg yolk
1/4 c. molasses
1 c. candied ginger, chopped
Icing:
1/4 c. brown sugar
2 Tbsp. milk
2 Tbsp. butter
1 tsp. vanilla
1 c. powdered sugar
Butter a 10x15" baking sheet. Combine the dry ingredients. Cream the butter and brown sugar. Add the molasses, then the egg and egg yolk. Stir in 1/2 c. candied ginger, then mix in the flour mixture. Spread in the baking sheet and bake at 350F for 18-22 min.
For the icing: Combine the brown sugar, milk, and butter over medium heat. Cook till the butter melts and sugar dissolves. (I just did this in the microwave) Remove from heat and whisk in vanilla and powdered sugar.
Drizzle the bars with the icing and sprinkle with the rest of the candied ginger. Let sit 15 min. to let icing set then cut into bars.
Makes 36 squares
These sound amazing Lisa! I especially love that they call for a little pepper too:@)
ReplyDeleteOh my....I MUST make these.
ReplyDeleteSuch a wonderful blog hop! These look delish. I agree that Christmas comes to early each year, but I'm all for fixing new treats early! I've been posting Football Game Appetizers every Thursday and I think a lot of them would work well for holiday appetizers, too.
ReplyDeleteThese sound delicious!! What a perfect holiday cookie!!
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen hermits in bar form before. They sound SO good. I am with you, bring on the treats any time of year, but wait to decorate the stores until after Thanksgiving!!
ReplyDeleteI love hermits- so soft and delicious! Ginger cookies are my favorites. :)
ReplyDeleteI've never had an icebox hermit - but they do sound wonderful with all that ginger!
ReplyDeleteYum, those sound good! I love ginger at the holidays. :)
ReplyDeleteI love hermit cookies! I actually got an OLD recipe box that my dad found in an abandoned house in the mountains years ago (don't ask, I don't even know), but the box is full of fun recipes I want to try (just got it from my mom a few months ago). One of the recipes I've wanted to make from it were hermits. Only problem is on the handwritten card, there is no flour in the recipe. And the weird thing is there are three of the same recipe written three times and none of them have flour. ?? I've wanted to research the cookie more, just for fun. I've never seen them with icing on top--that can't be bad. ;)
ReplyDeleteI've always heard of hermits but never tried them! Great choice for this week!
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