Crystallized Ginger Gingerbread

As a part of my annual christmas celebration, i always make gingerbread. i've experimented with several versions, and i like this the best. it is a traditional gingerbread that is prepared in a loaf pan--not the dry cookie kind. the key to this recipe is the addition of ginger in both crystallized and ground form...the result is dark, moist, and has lots of ginger flavor. perfect with a cup of coffee or hot cider! it also freezes well for later use.

Steps

Preheat oven to 350f line a 9 x 4 inch loaf pan with parchment paper.

In a bowl , combine the dry ingredients.

In another bowl , beat butter and granulated sugar until fluffy , then stir in molasses.

Add eggs one at a time , beating continuously.

Stir the flour mixture into the butter mixture in 3 additions , alternating with the yogurt / buttermilk and beginning and ending with the flour.

Mix until smooth.

Pour the batter into the pan and spread until even and sprinkle with raw sugar.

Bake 50 minutes or just until the gingerbread is golden and springy to the touch , and a toothpick comes out clean.

Let the loaf stand for a few minutes , then turn the loaf out and carefully peel off the parchment paper.

Serve warm , or later !.

Ingredients

all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground ginger, crystallized ginger, ground cinnamon, ground allspice, nutmeg, unsalted butter, sugar, molasses, eggs, plain nonfat yogurt