G'ma's German Gingerbread (Spekulatius) Cookies

LOVE-INFUSED MEMORIES AND RECIPE FROM MY MOM

THAT I WILL TREASURE FOREVER!

My mom was from Germany and always made beautiful homemade Christmas cookies. This gingerbread recipe is one of my faves, and my mom loved it, too. It's modified from a vintage 1963 (my birth year!) Dr. Oetker "Backbuch" ("Baking Book") called, "Backen macht Freude" ("Baking is Fun" or "Baking Makes Joy"). The recipe is on page 172 is for "Spekulatius" ("Spiced Cookies"). She so enjoyed decorating the gingerbread cookies with her grandkids! Though my family still prefers the classic shapes, given our Florida island living, I've added some unique, perhaps less holiday-inspired and more tropical-inspired cookie shapes like the pineapples, sunglasses, and palm trees (shown above) to our repertoire!

ARE THEY HEALTHY?

While cookies aren't healthy, per se, I could argue that enjoying a few of these cookies with those you love will help nourish and fuel your soul. So here's to spreading healthy holiday love! Enjoy this recipe, which is so iconic "Christmas" for my family, from my kitchen to yours.

SPEKULATIUS RECIPE INGREDIENTS

Even indulgent recipes can be "healthified" by upping your ingredient game. While sugar is sugar, it makes a difference using a quality, organic version! Remember to always use good, clean, quality ingredients for not only the best taste but to support you in optimizing your health and feeling your best.

• 4 cups flour (500 g)

• 2 teaspoons baking powder (6 g)

• 1 1/4 cups sugar (250 g)

• 1 TBSP vanilla sugar (or 1 Dr. Oetker packet)

• 2 drops almond extract

• 2 pinches ground cardamom

• 2 pinches ground cloves

• 1 level tsp ground cinnamon

• 2 eggs

• 14 TBSP (about 1 3/4 sticks) cold butter (200 g)

• Optional: I sometimes also add a little good vanilla extract--I love baking with vanilla!

Note: We omitted the nuts from the original recipe and don't miss them!

SPEKULATIUS RECIPE INSTRUCTIONS

Mix the flour and baking powder and sift onto a baking board, clean countertop, or a large bowl (I use a large stainless bowl--works great!). Make a well in the center; put the sugar, spices, and eggs in the center well and mix all together. Spread the sliced, cold butter on top and knead everything quickly from the center to form a smooth dough. Let it rest for awhile in the cold fridge. Roll out the dough with a floured rolling pin (or place between parchment paper to roll out). Have a small bowl with flour ready and dip the cookie cutters in the flour before pressing into the dough. Remove the shapes and lay them on a greased baking sheet (I use parchment paper on my baking sheets).

Bake for about 10 minutes in a 350 degree oven.

PRO TIPS: BEFORE enjoying the cookies, enjoy a nutrient-rich, healthful holiday meal. Our tradition is to have a beautiful Christmas Eve dinner with wild shrimp cocktail and stone crabs for appetizer, as well as baked or grilled fish along with rice infused with colorful and holiday-festive red and green diced bell peppers, and a cucumber salad or green beans. We always get in our nutrient-rich "Good Guys" before indulging in dessert!

Remember, throughout the holidays as you are indulging, be sure to prioritize protein and fiber-rich veggies and fruits to optimize digestion and mitigate glucose spikes!