Making Memories

Can you believe Mark and I have been married for 1 year and 10 months? Well, being still newlyweds, I thought it was time to try and establish some fun Christmas memories! My husband works very long hours and I wanted to surprise him with a special Christmas treat. When he came home, I had him sit down at the kitchen table while some Frank Sinatra Christmas music played happily in the background. Then I brought him a glass of eggnog in one of my special lead crystal goblets, and served some scrumptious gingerbread men on my fancy green Depression glass plates. What a fun time we had together as we sipped eggnog, munched on gingerbread men, and talked about his day at work. I think it ended up becoming a special time for both of us! (Maybe even a tradition?) Here is the yummy recipe I used. It is fairly easy, and so much fun! Gingerbread Men ½ cup butter, softened ¾ cups packed brown sugar 1/3 cup molasses 1 egg 2 tablespoons water 2-2/3 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons ground ginger 1 teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon each: ground cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the molasses, egg, and water; beat well. Combine the flour, ginger, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice; add to creamed mixture and mix well. Divide dough in half. Refrigerate for 30 minutes or until easy to handle. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each portion of dough to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut with floured cookie cutter. Place 2 inches apart on greased baking sheets. Reroll scraps. Bake at 350 for 8-10 minutes or until edges are firm. Remove to wire racks to cool completely. Decorate as desired. Yields about 2 dozen YUMMY!