Tantalise your taste buds this Christmas

So often we get swept up with the business of the festive season as we shop around for Christmas presents, write special messages on Christmas cards and send out invitations to friends and family.

All the buzz of the festive season makes it feel like there’s no time for making baked goods from scratch anymore and it’s much more convenient to purchase ready-made cookies and other baked goods.

Although, making your own baked goods isn’t as time consuming as one would believe and it makes it easier for the cook to take note of every single ingredient that goes into the end product.

Here are some health benefits to homemade cookies, cakes, and other sweets that will motivate you to hit the kitchen:

• Lower refined sugar levels: most baked goods are loaded with sugar and for those who are keen on indulging in a healthier dessert, you can do this easily in your own kitchen.

• You have the choice to use a few artificial ingredients: artificial ingredients may seem harmless, but they certainly can impair your health. Baking your own treats allows you to eliminate potentially unhealthy ingredients.

• Great for food allergies: this works out well for some of your guests who are lactose intolerant or have allergies to nuts, eggs etc, because now you have control over anything and everything that goes into final product.

• Butter substitutions: this is one way to reduce the butter and overall fat content of your desserts. By using substitutions for butter you avoid consuming unsaturated fats which are detrimental to your weight and overall health.

• Gluten free alternatives: you can avoid consuming foods made with white flour and gluten.

You can rather opt for amaranth flour, almond flour, and rice flour.

Instead of spending money on expensive gluten free breads or sweets, take the time to make your own gluten free baked goods.

Try out this delicious spicy gingerbread cookies recipe:

• ½ cup of margarine

• ½ cup sugar

• ½ cup molasses

• one egg yolk

• two cups sifted all-purpose flour

• ½ teaspoon salt

Add ½ teaspoon baking powder, teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, one teaspoon ground cloves, one teaspoon ginger and ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg.

Method:

In a large bowl, cream together the margarine and sugar until smooth. Stir in molasses and egg yolk. Combine the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, ginger and nutmeg. Blend into the molasses mixture until smooth. Cover and chill for at least one hour.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to ¼ inch thickness.

Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters. Place cookies two inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets.

Bake for eight to ten minutes in the preheated oven until firm.

Remove from cookies sheets to cool on wire racks.

Frost or decorate when cool.