Holiday Baking: Gingerbread Cookies

The holiday season is in full swing, and what could be more delicious than to sweeten everyone's wait time with traditional homemade cookies? Nothing completes the holidays like the aroma of cinnamon, oranges, and nuts and the enjoyment we get from biting into those crispy cookies.

Since the release of my recipe book 'TIS THE SEASON FOR CHRISTMAS COOKIES, I've been asked many times to share my favorite cookie recipe. Well, I'll gladly admit that the choice was not an easy one, but I've always been very fond my grandmother's gingerbread cookies. They are easy to make, so delicious, and a classic that never goes out of style!

Gingerbread Cookies

Recipe yields about 80 cookies

Ingredients

125 g honey 

200 g sugar 

1 pkg vanilla sugar 

150 g butter 

4 tbsp milk 

3 drops almond extract 

1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger

400 g flour 

100 g food starch 

2 tbsp cacao 

2 tsp baking powder 

butter 

icing of choice

Instructions

Step 1: Combine sugar, honey, vanilla sugar, butter and milk in a pot and heat on medium heat and constant stirring until all ingredients have combined.

Step 2: Pour mixture into bowl and let cool.

Step 3: Grease baking sheet and preheat oven to 355 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 4: Add almond extract and cinnamon to cooled mass.

Step 5: Mix flour, food starch, cacao, and baking powder.

Step 6: Add 2/3 of it to cooled mixture, and incorporate with dough hook; knead in the rest by hand.

Step 7: Roll out dough thinly, and cut out cookies. 

Step 8: Place them on parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake them for 15 minutes on middle rack.

Step 9: Leave gingerbread on cooling rack until completely cooled.

Step 10: Decorate cookies with icing of choice.

Pro Tips:

You can make the cookie dough ahead of time, and freeze it for up to three months. Baked, but undecorated cookies keep in the freezer for up to four weeks. Baked and decorated gingerbread cookies will keep fresh up to four weeks in an airtight container. Place wax paper between each layer of cookies to keep them from sticking to each other.

Allow yourself to be inspired by this decadent Christmas cookie recipe. For more traditional recipes and modern reinterpretations, please click HERE. Hope you enjoy these easy to re-create cookie and cake recipes. Wishing you and all of your family members a safe and Happy Holiday Season!

If you try this recipe, snap a pic, and don't forget to tag me @authorapiperburgi. 

I would love to see your creations!  

by A. Piper Burgi

Piper is the award-winning author of The Country Girl Empress series. When she isn't busy typing on her computer, she can be found chasing after her furry children or holding on tightly to a good cup of coffee. Follow her on LinkedIn, Facebook, Medium, and Goodreads.

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Book Review of SAINT NICK by Brandon G. Kroupa

What's not to love about Christmas? It is a season filled with gift-giving, joy, happiness, and, of course, visiting Santa Claus. And this is what the main character, Heather Fahs, looks forward to the most during her trip to Bronner's Christmas Wonderland in Frankenmuth, Michigan. 

However, soon the little girl realizes that this visit with Santa Claus will be a remarkable one. Because the Santa who awaits her is no ordinary man. He is THE  Santa Claus! Saint Nicholas himself - and he is on a mission. 

His task is a simple but daunting one: Convince young Heather of the true meaning of Christmas and that he is simply just part of the season, not the actual reason for it. But if anyone can solve this conundrum, it is Saint Nicholas!

What a joyous and touching tale! Brandon Kroupa's approach to the Christmas story and how the main character, Heather Fahs, learns about the true nature of Santa Claus was simply phenomenal and quite unprecedented. It was so easy to relate to the young girl.

SAINT NICK has a charming and imaginative way of bringing the magic of Christmas to life. Objective, as well as historical viewpoints of Christmas, were interwoven in the storyline. Viewing the wonders of Christmas through the eyes of the young child is simply heartwarming. 

Most of the story takes place in Frankenmuth, a town in Michigan where the whole city is Christmas-themed. If you enjoy everything related to the most wonderful time of the year, Frankenmuth, or are just interested in visiting the place, you can learn a lot about it here, between the pages of this endearing book. Mr. Kroupa did an excellent job connecting all aspects of Christmas, traditions, and family.

by A. Piper Burgi

Piper is the award-winning author of The Country Girl Empress series. When she isn't busy typing on her computer, she can be found chasing after her furry children or holding on tightly to a good cup of coffee. Follow her on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Goodreads.

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Pet Safety: 9 Ways to Protect Your Dogs During the Holidays

It is the most wonderful time of the year! You’ve decked the halls, wrapped presents, and shopped till you dropped. However, have you done everything to protect your dog from potential holiday hazards? Given the demands of the season, it is easy to understand why, busy pet parents can overlook everyday hazards; the holiday season can be very hectic. To make sure the holidays are happy and safe for everyone, including your pets, follow these simple prevention tips: 

- If you have a live tree, make tree water, which can harbor dangerous bacteria and chemicals, a no-drinking zone by covering the tree stand reservoir with a tree skirt. Please don't forget to pick up fallen pine needles, which can injure your dog’s intestines if eaten. Moreover, don't forget to tape down or cover electrical cords to prevent shocks, burns, and other serious injuries.

- Consider skipping tinsel altogether. Although it is a classic holiday decoration, it has always been a no-no for our furry companions. If swallowed, it can cause intestinal blockages and tears, which often requires surgery.

- Keep your pets away from wrapped gifts as well as packing supplies and small toys. Eating string, glue, staples, ribbon, plastic, wrapping paper, etc. can lead to choking and intestinal blockages. Also, keep in mind that some wrapped gifts may contain dangerous edible items, such as dark chocolate or macadamia nuts. To prevent this from happening to you, ask the gift giver whether the package contains food items before placing it under the Christmas tree.

- Be aware that many holiday foods such as fatty meat, onions, some nuts, gravy, poultry skin, dough, raisins, coffee, bones, chocolate, artificial sweeteners, and alcohol can cause illnesses ranging from vomiting and diarrhea to pancreatitis and other toxic reactions.

- Place candles and candle holders away from your dog’s reach, including his/her long tail, so he cannot knock them over, and don't forget to extinguish all candles before going to bed or leaving the house. Consider the flame-less variety as a replacement option. 

- Some of the most popular symbols of the holidays are toxic to pets and can cause symptoms ranging from gastrointestinal irritation and diarrhea to cardiac problems, even death. Plants to avoid include Christmas cactus, holly, lilies, mistletoe, poinsettia, hemlock, and ivy. Consider replacing them with the artificial variety, but if you cannot completely ban this kind of plants, at least, keep them from your pet’s reach, and immediately pick up and throw out fallen leaves, stems, and berries.

- Since it is not an easy task to keep an eye on every one of your guests at the same time, feel free to ask your guests to refrain from feeding people food to your dog. Aside from encouraging begging, feeding your dog rich holiday table scraps can result in severe illness, including pancreatitis. If you are throwing a party, consider creating a quiet zone for your furry companion away from all the action. If you want your dog at the festivities, provide a limited number of dog treats for guests to give your dog.

- Holiday activities can leave you distracted, so be sure to close and lock doors and gates after guests arrive or leave. Better yet, place your dog in his crate or a quiet room with the door closed while guests come and go. Be sure your dog is wearing his collar and ID tag, and if your dog is micro-chipped, ensure that the chip is registered and confirm that your address and phone number are up-to-date.

- Busy and erratic holiday schedules, steady streams of strangers, and even changes to your home like rearranging furniture to accommodate a Christmas tree can stress out even the most mellow of dogs. Limit stress by maintaining your dog’s regular exercise and feeding schedules. Give him/her a nice, long walk or extended play session just before guests arrive or before you go out for the evening. Provide a quiet spot where your fur baby can retreat to.

Wishing you and all of your family members a safe and Happy Holiday Season!

                                                           

                                                                                                     Piper

by A. Piper Burgi

Piper is the author of several non-fiction books, and recently added five historical fiction novels to her ever-expanding collection of published writings, In the Shadow of Her Majesty, The Country Girl Empress, A Life in the Shadow of the Crown, The Perpetual Traveler, and Excerpts from the Imperial Diary. When she isn't busy typing on her computer, she can be found chasing after her furry children or holding on tightly to a good cup of coffee. Follow her on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and Goodreads.

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Holiday Baking: Gingerbread Cookies

The holiday season is in full swing, and what could be more delicious than to sweeten everyone's wait time with traditional homemade cookies? Nothing completes the holidays like the aroma of cinnamon, oranges, and nuts and the enjoyment we get from biting into those crispy cookies.

Since the release of my recipe book 'TIS THE SEASON FOR CHRISTMAS COOKIES, I've been asked many times to share my favourite cookie recipe. Well, I'll gladly admit that the choice was not an easy one, but I've always been very fond my grandmother's gingerbread cookies. They are easy to make, so delicious, and a classic that never goes out of style!

Gingerbread Cookies

Recipe yields about 80 cookies

Ingredients

125 g honey 

200 g sugar 

1 pkg vanilla sugar 

150 g butter 

4 tbsp milk 

3 drops almond extract 

1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger

400 g flour 

100 g food starch 

2 tbsp cacao 

2 tsp baking powder 

butter 

icing of choice

Instructions

Step 1: Combine sugar, honey, vanilla sugar, butter and milk in a pot and heat on medium heat and constant stirring until all ingredients have combined.

Step 2: Pour mixture into bowl and let cool.

Step 3: Grease baking sheet and preheat oven to 355 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 4: Add almond extract and cinnamon to cooled mass.

Step 5: Mix flour, food starch, cacao, and baking powder.

Step 6: Add 2/3 of it to cooled mixture, and incorporate with dough hook; knead in the rest by hand.

Step 7: Roll out dough thinly, and cut out cookies. 

Step 8: Place them on parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake them for 15 minutes on middle rack.

Step 9: Leave gingerbread on cooling rack until completely cooled.

Step 10: Decorate cookies with icing of choice.

Pro Tips:

You can make the cookie dough ahead of time, and freeze it for up to three months. Baked, but undecorated cookies keep in the freezer for up to four weeks. Baked and decorated gingerbread cookies will keep fresh up to four weeks in an airtight container. Place wax paper between each layer of cookies to keep them from sticking to each other.

Allow yourself to be inspired by this decadent Christmas cookie recipe. For more traditional recipes and modern reinterpretations, please click HERE. Hope you enjoy these easy to re-create cookie and cake recipes. Wishing you and all of your family members a safe and Happy Holiday Season!

If you try this recipe, snap a pic, and don't forget to tag me @authorapiperburgi. 

I would love to see your creations!  

by A. Piper Burgi

Piper is the author of several non-fiction books, and recently added five historical fiction novels to her ever-expanding collection of published writings, In the Shadow of Her Majesty, The Country Girl Empress, A Life in the Shadow of the Crown, The Perpetual Traveler, and Excerpts from the Imperial Diary. When she isn't busy typing on her computer, she can be found chasing after her furry children or holding on tightly to a good cup of coffee. Follow her on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and Goodreads.

Don't forget to share this post! Choose your platform below:

Baking Tips and Tricks from an Indie Author

The Christmas cookie baking season is in full swing. Whether you're a first-time baker or an experienced pastry chef, I have answers to some of the most common questions about baking holiday cookies.

Many of us play into the dramatics of baking the perfect Christmas cookies and cakes just to wow family members and friends when, in reality, things don't need to be nearly that complicated. Delicious cookies don't have to be difficult to make. 

What would the holiday season be without Christmas cookies? Nothing completes the most wonderful time of the year like the scent of oranges, cinnamon, and vanilla beans, and the enjoyment we get from biting into one of those crispy cookies.

The cold winter days just before Christmas are ideal for baking those delicious treats everyone seems to enjoy. So, spoil your loved ones with the finest baked goods. Tempting recipes for luxurious cookies with rich chocolate and nuts will delight some, while others will be thrilled to munch on goodies filled with candied fruits and seasoned with exotic spices. But no matter their preference, everyone will agree when it comes to classic Christmas cookies: They are a must during the holiday season, as they are linked to those precious memories of Christmas' past. Cookies naturally turn the holiday season into bite-sized moments of pure bliss. 

A. Piper Burgi's Christmas recipe book is available
exclusively at www.blurb.com

In our efforts to socially distance and help stop the spread of COVID-19, many of us will be skipping big family get-togethers and bake our own treats for the first time. To help readers who are taking on this task solo, I've collected some of my most commonly asked questions about cookie baking and complied my responses in the Q&A below. 

Almost every baker has experienced these kinds of dilemmas: The dough is made, but when it's time to use it, the rude awakening comes. The mixture crumbles, sticks to everything, can't be rolled out, or the cookies end up burnt. But with these little tips and tricks, you should be able to salvage the situation or avoid these mishaps altogether.

What to do when...

...the shortcrust dough just falls apart?

This often happens when the dough was kneaded too long. Add some egg white. 

...the beaten egg white won't form stiff peaks?

A pinch of salt or a squirt of lemon juice should remedy the situation.

...the dough is sticky and can't be rolled out?

Put the dough into the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to half an hour. It's always easier to work with a properly cooled dough.

...the dough sticks to the cookie cutters?

Keep a shallow bowl of flour or sugar nearby and dip the cookie cutters into it before every use. Remove any dough remnants with a pastry brush. 

...the cookies bake to varying degrees?

It begins when you roll out the dough. To ensure you roll it out evenly, place two sticks on either side of the dough to guide you. If the cookies still don't bake evenly, take the baking sheet out of the oven halfway through the baking process, turn it 180 degrees, and put it back in the oven. 

...the cookies stick to the baking sheet and break?

Put the baking sheet back in the oven for a couple of minutes. Warm cookies are easier to remove than cold ones. And next time, don't forget to line your baking sheet with parchment paper!

...the sugar glaze doesn't stick to the cookies?

Add a few drops of lemon juice or water to the glaze. It's also helpful to remove any remnants of flour from the cookies by carefully brushing them off with a small pastry brush.

How to avoid baking mishaps in the first place!

The Perfect Shortcrust Dough

All ingredients should be at room temperature, even the butter. That way, the dough can be kneaded quickly, which will prevent the dough from turning crumbly. 

Silky-smooth Melted Chocolate

Chocolate must be tempered correctly to ensure it won't turn crumbly or form gray streaks. If you're in a hurry, you may add some coconut or peanut oil. Never add water or milk to the melted chocolate to ensure it stays fluid.

Separate Eggs

It is best to separate eggs individually over a cup. This prevents any yolk from ending up in the egg whites, which won't form stiff peaks when whisked. 

Impeccable Cookies

When working with cookie cutters, one of the greatest challenges is moving the cookies onto the baking sheet in one piece. That's why it's a good idea to roll out the dough directly on the parchment paper, press the cookie cutters into the dough, and then remove the excess.

You can find more baking tips and tricks in my book:

Wishing everyone a merry holiday season and Happy Baking!

                                                                              Piper

by A. Piper Burgi

Piper is the author of several non-fiction books, and recently added five historical fiction novels to her ever-expanding collection of published writings, In the Shadow of Her Majesty, The Country Girl Empress, A Life in the Shadow of the Crown, The Perpetual Traveler, and Excerpts from the Imperial Diary. When she isn't busy typing on her computer, she can be found chasing after her furry children or holding on tightly to a good cup of coffee. Follow her on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and Goodreads.

Don't forget to share this post! Choose your platform below:

Holiday Baking: Gingerbread Cookies

The holiday season is upon us! And what could be more delicious than to sweeten everyone's wait time with traditional homemade cookies? Nothing completes the holidays like the aroma of cinnamon, oranges, and nuts and the enjoyment we get from biting into those crispy cookies.

Since the release of my recipe book 'TIS THE SEASON FOR CHRISTMAS COOKIES, I've been asked many times to share my favourite cookie recipe. Well, I'll gladly admit that the choice was not an easy one, but I've always been very fond my grandmother's gingerbread cookies. They are easy to make, so delicious, and a classic that never goes out of style!

Gingerbread Cookies

Recipe yields about 80 cookies

Ingredients

125 g honey 

200 g sugar 

1 pkg vanilla sugar 

150 g butter 

4 tbsp milk 

3 drops almond extract 

1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger

400 g flour 

100 g food starch 

2 tbsp cacao 

2 tsp baking powder 

butter 

icing of choice

Instructions

Step 1: Combine sugar, honey, vanilla sugar, butter and milk in a pot and heat on medium heat and constant stirring until all ingredients have combined.

Step 2: Pour mixture into bowl and let cool.

Step 3: Grease baking sheet and preheat oven to 355 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 4: Add almond extract and cinnamon to cooled mass.

Step 5: Mix flour, food starch, cacao, and baking powder.

Step 6: Add 2/3 of it to cooled mixture, and incorporate with dough hook; knead in the rest by hand.

Step 7: Roll out dough thinly, and cut out cookies. 

Step 8: Place them on parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake them for 15 minutes on middle rack.

Step 9: Leave gingerbread on cooling rack until completely cooled.

Step 10: Decorate cookies with icing of choice.

Pro Tips:

You can make the cookie dough ahead of time, and freeze it for up to three months. Baked, but undecorated cookies keep in the freezer for up to four weeks. Baked and decorated gingerbread cookies will keep fresh up to four weeks in an airtight container. Place wax paper between each layer of cookies to keep them from sticking to each other.

Allow yourself to be inspired by this decadent Christmas cookie recipe. For more traditional recipes and modern reinterpretations, please click HERE. Hope you enjoy these easy to re-create cookie and cake recipes. Wishing you and all of your family members a safe and Happy Holiday Season!

If you try this recipe, snap a pic, and don't forget to tag me @authorapiperburgi. 

I would love to see your creations!  

by A. Piper Burgi

Piper is the author of several non-fiction books, and recently added four historical fiction novels to her ever-expanding collection of published writings, In the Shadow of Her Majesty , The Country Girl Empress, A Life in the Shadow of the Crown, and The Perpetual Traveler. When she isn't busy typing on her computer, she can be found chasing after her furry children or holding on tightly to a good cup of coffee. Follow her on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Goodreads.

Don't forget to share this post! Choose your platform below:

Holiday Baking: Butter Cookie Recipe

The holiday season is upon us! And what could be more delicious than to sweeten everyone's wait time with traditional homemade cookies? Nothing completes the holidays like the aroma of cinnamon, oranges, and nuts and the enjoyment we get from biting into those crispy cookies.

Since the release of my recipe book 'TIS THE SEASON FOR CHRISTMAS COOKIES, I've been asked many times to share my favourite cookie recipe. Well, I'll gladly admit that the choice was not an easy one, but I've always been very fond my grandmother's butter cookies. They are easy to make, so delicious, and a classic that never goes out of style!

Butter Cookies

Recipe yields about 60 cookies

Ingredients

250 g flour

100 g sugar

1 pkg vanilla sugar

125 g butter

4 egg yolks

1 tbsp milk

sprinkles 

Instructions

Step 1: Combine flour, sugar, vanilla sugar, butter, and 3 egg yolks and knead until the ingredients form a smooth dough.

Step 2: Shape mixture into a ball, wrap in plastic and place in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Step 3: Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Cover baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 4: On a floured surface, roll out a portion of the dough to 4 mm thickness. Shape cookies with different cookie cutters and place them on a baking sheet.

Step 5: Mix remaining egg yolk with milk, brush mixture on the cookies and decorate them with sprinkles of choice.

Step 6: Place cookie sheet in the oven on middle rack for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. Let cookies cool completely on cooling rack. 

Allow yourself to be inspired by this decadent Christmas cookie recipe. For more traditional recipes and modern reinterpretations, please click HERE. Hope you enjoy these easy to re-create cookie and cake recipes. Wishing you and all of your family members a safe and Happy Holiday Season!

If you try this recipe, snap a pic, and don't forget to tag me @authorapiperburgi. 

I would love to see your creations!       

     
                                                                                              

by A. Piper Burgi

Piper is the author of several non-fiction books, and recently added three historical fiction novels to her ever-expanding collection of published writings, In the Shadow of Her Majesty , The Country Girl Empress., and A Life in the Shadow of the Crown. When she isn't busy typing away on her computer, she can be found chasing after her furry children or holding on tightly to a good cup of coffee. Follow her on LinkedIn, Facebook, Goodreads and Google+.

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Piper's Puppy Christmas Cookie Recipe

Photo by A. Piper Burgi

As you, my readers, have probably already concluded from the title of this week's post, I'm changing things up again. I know, I am a writer, and I should probably share more of my writing experiences with you. However, to be honest, I haven't done all that much writing (or marketing) lately, other than my weekly blog posts, and sharing recipes is much more fun, than the realities of a writer's life. Not to mention that it is the most wonderful time of the year, and I am getting ready for my annual cookie swap. Of course, my furry children will not be left out. Since I know many of you feel the same way about your four-legged companions, I thought I'd share my favourite Puppy Christmas Cookie recipe with you.

Ingredients:

1 1/4 cup rice flour or coconut flour

1/2 cup unsweetened apple sauce

3/4 cup pumpkin puree

1/4 Tsp cinnamon

1 egg

Directions:

- preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
- in a large bowl, combine all five ingredients and mix thoroughly
- roll dough out in several smaller portions, cut out cookies with cookie cutters and place them on a baking sheet, lined with parchment paper
- bake in the oven for about 25 minutes
- recipe yields about 25 cookies

Notes:

Coconut flour and rice flour can be tricky to work with since both have a tendency to absorb an immense amount of liquids, which in turn can result in a crumbly dough. If your dough is too moist, just add more flour, if it's too dry then just a bit more applesauce and pumpkin puree until the mixture reaches the desired consistency. Since this recipe contains no preservatives, the cookies should be refrigerated. Hope your pups enjoy these cookies as much as mine do! Love this recipe? Looking for more? You'll find them in my newest book: 

Related Posts:

Celebrating Thanksgiving with your Pets

Piper's Pupcake Recipe

by A. Piper Burgi

Piper is the author of military lifestyle books and RV travel journals. When she isn't busy typing away on her computer, she can be found chasing after her furry children or holding on tightly to a good cup of coffee. Follow her on LinkedIn, Facebook, Goodreads and Google+.

A Book is a Gift They'll Remember All Year Long!

Still looking for a last minute gift? A book is a gift they'll remember all year long! In the spirit of the holiday season I decided to maintain the new, lower list price for my military lifestyle books "My Afghanistan Campaign Diary: Views of a Military Spouse" and Beyond Afghanistan: More Views of a Military Spouse". The books are available for purchase at Amazon.com and other fine online retailers. 

Are you a RV travel enthusiast? My photographic travel journal "One RV, Three People and 6000 Miles" (hardcover, softcover and e-book) is available for purchase at Blurb.com. This RV travel journal is a must have for any RV enthusiast!

Feel free to take a peek and order your very own copy today as a gift for a loved one and don't forget to share the news with family and friends!

by A. Piper Burgi

Piper is the author of military lifestyle books and RV travel journals. When she isn't busy typing away on her computer, she can be found chasing after her furry children or holding on tightly to a good cup of coffee. Follow her on LinkedIn, Facebook, Goodreads and Google+.