Guangxi-style Spiced Gingerbread

Ingredients

In this adaptation, the traditional Croatian Starogrojski paprenjok is transformed into a Guangxi-style spiced gingerbread. The original recipe's flavors are enhanced with Guangxi spices such as star anise, cinnamon, and cloves, giving it a unique twist. The texture remains moist and tender, but the addition of these spices adds a delightful complexity to the taste. This adaptation embraces the essence of Guangxi cuisine while paying homage to the original Croatian dish. We alse have the original recipe for Starogrojski paprenjok, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground star anise 1/4 teaspoon ground star anise
• 1/2 cup (120ml) molasses 1/2 cup (120ml) molasses
• 1/2 cup (120ml) honey 1/2 cup (120ml) honey
• 1/2 cup (120g) unsalted butter, melted 1/2 cup (120g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup (120ml) milk 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
• 2 large eggs 2 large eggs
• Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 280 kcal / 1172 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 9g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 47g, 28g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.4g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a baking dish.
2. 2.
   In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and star anise.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, combine the molasses, honey, melted butter, milk, and eggs. Mix well.
4. 4.
   Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
5. 5.
   Pour the batter into the greased baking dish and smooth the top.
6. 6.
   Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. 7.
   Allow the gingerbread to cool before dusting with powdered sugar.
8. 8.
   Slice and serve.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ginger — Use fresh ginger for a more intense flavor. Grate it finely before adding it to the batter.
• Molasses — Choose unsulfured molasses for a richer and less bitter taste.
• Star anise — Crush the star anise pods before adding them to the batter to release their aromatic oils.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of ground Sichuan peppercorns to the batter.
• Serve the gingerbread warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
• Experiment with different types of honey to vary the flavor profile of the gingerbread.
• Add a handful of chopped nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, for added texture and crunch.

Serving advice

Serve the Guangxi-style Spiced Gingerbread as a delightful dessert or a sweet treat with a cup of tea. It can also be enjoyed as a snack throughout the day.

Presentation advice

Dust the gingerbread with powdered sugar just before serving to add a touch of elegance. You can also garnish each slice with a sprig of fresh mint or a dusting of ground cinnamon for an extra visual appeal.