pfeffernusse

The rush of people suddenly in every retail outlet is something that you have to contend with around Christmas time. Even in the cafes and restaurants, because of course all those shoppers have to eat. And if you are a combination of the two – a cafe which also sells Christmas cakes and mince tarts etc. – you’re probably going to be busy around this festive season.

Oh well. It’ll all be over soon. Just a few more days and then it’s Christmas! A busy time, but also a reminder of what hope we have. A time for reflection and gratitude for what life has brought us this year. Just don’t get crushed in the rush of people buying last-minute Christmas gifts, hey.

Pfeffernusse

Adapted from A Bowl Of Mush

185 g plain flour

1/4 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp ground ginger

1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

1/4 tsp ground allspice

1/8 tsp ground cloves

1/8 tsp ground cardamom

60 g butter

85 g brown sugar

50 g molasses

1 egg

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 tsp lemon zest

1/2 cup icing sugar

Preheat oven to 180°C/350°F and line two baking trays with baking paper. Set aside.

Sift together flour, baking soda and spices. Beat together butter, brown sugar and molasses. Add lemon zest, egg and vanilla and stir in.

Fold in dry ingredients thoroughly. Using a teaspoon or mini cookie scoop, scoop out round teaspoonfuls of the mixture and place about 1″ apart on the baking trays.

Bake 15-18 minutes in preheated oven. Let cool on trays for 10 minutes, then toss in icing sugar to coat.