Preheat the oven to a medium temperature, around 180 degrees Celsius, to ensure even baking of the dish. We prepare a 33x23 cm baking tray, which we grease with oil or butter to prevent the dough from sticking. We set the tray aside and focus on the ingredients.
In a large bowl, we combine the flour with salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and ground cloves. These dry ingredients are sifted together to homogenize and avoid lumps. In another bowl, we use a mixer to beat the vegetable fat with sugar until the mixture becomes fluffy and airy. It is important to scrape the sides of the bowl from time to time to ensure that all ingredients are well incorporated.
After achieving a creamy texture, we add the egg, mixing well until homogeneous. Then, we add the molasses, which can be replaced with honey, although the flavors will be slightly different. We continue mixing, gradually adding the dry ingredients, alternating with water. It is essential to keep the mixer on low speed to avoid splattering. Once a soft mixture forms, we scrape the sides of the bowl again.
We pour the mixture into the prepared tray and bake for about 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the dough comes out clean. When ready, we let it cool or, if you prefer, you can enjoy a warm piece alongside a cup of hot cocoa.
To create the little house from the cake, we cut the cake into two parts: a larger part for the body of the house and a smaller part for the roof. From the side of the body of the house, we cut a strip that can be used as a fence. From the small part of the cake, we cut the corners to obtain the shape of a triangle, which will become the roof. If desired, we can cut the resulting triangles in half to make little trees that we can decorate with green colored sugar.
Decorating the little house is done according to everyone's imagination. The sugar glue for attaching the roof to the body of the house is prepared by mixing powdered sugar with a few drops of water or lemon juice. Once the sugar is ready, we put it in small plastic bags, cutting the corner to create a small opening. Added food colors can transform the decoration, green for the little trees or red and yellow for lights. Thus, we can enjoy a delicious and creative little house, perfect for holidays or gatherings with friends. This recipe is not only simple but also provides an opportunity to express our creativity in the kitchen.
In a large bowl, we combine the flour with salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and ground cloves. These dry ingredients are sifted together to homogenize and avoid lumps. In another bowl, we use a mixer to beat the vegetable fat with sugar until the mixture becomes fluffy and airy. It is important to scrape the sides of the bowl from time to time to ensure that all ingredients are well incorporated.
After achieving a creamy texture, we add the egg, mixing well until homogeneous. Then, we add the molasses, which can be replaced with honey, although the flavors will be slightly different. We continue mixing, gradually adding the dry ingredients, alternating with water. It is essential to keep the mixer on low speed to avoid splattering. Once a soft mixture forms, we scrape the sides of the bowl again.
We pour the mixture into the prepared tray and bake for about 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the dough comes out clean. When ready, we let it cool or, if you prefer, you can enjoy a warm piece alongside a cup of hot cocoa.
To create the little house from the cake, we cut the cake into two parts: a larger part for the body of the house and a smaller part for the roof. From the side of the body of the house, we cut a strip that can be used as a fence. From the small part of the cake, we cut the corners to obtain the shape of a triangle, which will become the roof. If desired, we can cut the resulting triangles in half to make little trees that we can decorate with green colored sugar.
Decorating the little house is done according to everyone's imagination. The sugar glue for attaching the roof to the body of the house is prepared by mixing powdered sugar with a few drops of water or lemon juice. Once the sugar is ready, we put it in small plastic bags, cutting the corner to create a small opening. Added food colors can transform the decoration, green for the little trees or red and yellow for lights. Thus, we can enjoy a delicious and creative little house, perfect for holidays or gatherings with friends. This recipe is not only simple but also provides an opportunity to express our creativity in the kitchen.
Ingredients
3 3/4 cups flour (this is about 500 gr, maybe a little more or less) 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 1/2 tablespoons baking soda 3/4 tablespoon salt (I only put a pinch, as much as you take between three fingers) 1 1/4 tablespoons ginger (I used ground cloves instead of ginger and only one teaspoon) 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon (here I put two slightly heaped tablespoons (I love the aroma of cinnamon) 100 gr vegetable fat or maybe a little more 1/2 cup sugar (I think it's 100 gr) 1 large egg 1 1/3 cup molasses (about a 250 ml glass full and another quarter) 1 cup water at room temperature (here the water should be about 250 ml)