If you've been following my blog for awhile, then you probably remember the summer madness that was "The Great Chocolate Chip Cookie Quest of 2011." After going through thirteen recipes, dozens of cookies, and hundreds of chocolate chips, I finally discovered the BEST chocolate chip cookies ever. So, it was totally worth it in the end. That said, I wasn't sure if I'd want to go through such an experience again anytime soon.
But, that was then and this is now. Six months have passed and I've regained my cookie mojo. This time, I'm on the search to find the perfect recipe for one of my favorite cookies of all time - the ginger cookie. Somehow, the ones I've tried up till now, while being good, just weren't great. That's gotta change.
Thus begins my new quest - "The Best Ginger Cookie by Christmas (for short, the BGCBC)." That's right, starting tomorrow and every Monday-Thursday thereafter for the next three weeks of December, I will be posting a new ginger cookie recipe and hope to announce the ultimate ginger cookie before Christmas arrives. That should give plenty of time so you can make it for your own holiday platters, if you so desire.
So, the question is, what makes the ultimate ginger cookie? Is it a combo of dry spices only or does fresh ginger add more of a zing? Speaking of spices, just which spices should you use? There's the traditional combo of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves/allspice. But, what about cardamom, nutmeg, or a dash of black/white/cayenne pepper? And would the cookie be better off with some crystallized ginger?
I've been scouring food blogs for weeks and finally compiled a master list of 12 ginger cookie recipes, each one different in some way. By the end of this quest, I hope to have all the answers and be able to choose one recipe and say that THIS IS IT. It's gonna be one sweet and spicy ride and I hope you'll follow along.
Let the cookie madness begin!!!
I saw your little update on your facebook and came over to see if you also blogged about it. Good luck on your quest! Perfect for the holiday season.
ReplyDeleteOoooh yum! I can't wait to see what the result is! We put up the tree tomorrow (1st December)and usually have some yummy gingerbread to eat while we work. I have been busy so no gingerbread. I wait and see what you come up with!
ReplyDeleteLisa, I absolutely love your quests! Your search for the perfect choc chip cookies was amazing and I loved reading your posts about the cookies. And now here you are yet with another one :) I love gingerbread cookies so I am very curious which recipe will become your favourite :)
ReplyDeleteQuestion is--how do YOU like ginger cookies--snappy and crisp, soft, chewy? I'm in the soft and chewy camp and though I've found some I've liked in the past, I still haven't found THE one. So can't wait for your quest. ;)
ReplyDeleteI guess you're not looking for more recipes, but I love the Rosemary Gingersnaps from one of King Arthurs books. I make them every year and love the rosemary-ginger combo, as odd as it may sound.
ReplyDeleteThe best ginger cookie I've ever made hands-down is the one over at Epicurious.com.
ReplyDeleteYUM!! I love ginger cookies. I have a cookie party to go to in a few weeks and want to make a spice cookie. Maybe I'll use one of the recipes you will post!
ReplyDeleteI think the best kind of ginger cookie is with molasses, ginger, cinnamon and clove topped with a light sugary glaze. So good and so festive!
Lisa, What a tasty quest! Good Luck!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see the challengers--and the results. I too love ginger cookies.
ReplyDelete