Believe it or not in the midst of the heat of summer today we celebrate a day that is nearly always thought about in the colder part of the year. Today, is Gingerbread Day.

Ginger was first found in the rain forests of Southeast Asia. The first recorded use of ginger was that of a monk named Gregory of Nicopolis in the year 992. He brought it to Europe where he taught other French priest how to cook with it. The early definition of "gingerbread" was simply the "preserving of ginger". The term changed around the 15th century when gingerbread meant a type of cake made with molasses and ginger. It was kept primarily kept a secret til the 18th century where gingerbread once again changed from a soft cake to harder treats of biscuits and cookies.

Gingerbread is nearly never thought of in the summer months as it shines during the winter holidays. Germany popuralized cinnamon in  treats around the 13th century. Hard gingerbread cookies were formed into shapes, ginger spiced breads and other great treats.  Here is a special treat to show you that ginger is great in summer time treats as well

1 cup heavy cream
1 cup low fat milk
2/3 cup sugar
2 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp allspice
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
2 Tbsp molasses


In a large bowl, whisk together all the ingredients. Stir long enough so that the sugar is dissolved and the molasses has been completely incorporated.
Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and process according to your machine's directions. For me the ice cream takes about 25 minutes.
Turn the soft ice cream into a container, cover with plastic wrap, and put in the freezer to firm up, this will take a minimum of 4-6 hours, or overnight.
recipe source here



National Gingerbread Day occurs each year on June 5th as well as on November 21st.