Gingerbread

The dessert I propose today is a traditional recipe for sweet cakes with a colorful and delicious decoration, which will bring joy both in the kitchen and at the table. This dessert is not just a simple cake, but a journey into the world of flavors and colors, perfect for enjoying with family or friends.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 15-20 minutes
Total: Approximately 24 hours (including cooling time)
Servings: 20-25 sweet cakes

Ingredients for the dough:
- 1 kg flour (choose a high-quality flour with a high gluten content for a perfect texture)
- 325 g sugar (you can use brown sugar for a deeper flavor)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 whole eggs + 2 egg yolks (organic eggs are recommended)
- 2 tablespoons lard (you can also use melted butter if you prefer)
- 3 tablespoons honey (honey adds moisture and flavor)
- 2 teaspoons gingerbread spice mix (you can make a mix of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves)
- 200 ml water

Ingredients for decoration:
- 4 egg whites (make sure they are at room temperature for better whipping)
- 400 g powdered sugar (you can use icing sugar for a finer texture)
- 2 tablespoons mint syrup (I recommend using a natural syrup)
- 2 tablespoons natural pomegranate juice (for vibrant color and interesting taste)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to balance the sweetness)

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preparing the caramel syrup
In a saucepan, add the 3 tablespoons of sugar and melt it over low heat, stirring constantly, until it turns amber. It is essential to be patient, as caramelizing sugar requires attention. Once it reaches a beautiful color, extinguish it with 200 ml of water. Let it simmer on low heat until the caramelized sugar completely dissolves. After the syrup has cooled, set it aside.

2. Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and gingerbread spice mix. Mix the dry ingredients well to ensure an even distribution. Then, add the sugar, eggs, yolks, lard, and honey. Mix everything with a spatula or by hand until a homogeneous dough forms. Finally, pour in the cooled caramel syrup and knead the dough until it becomes elastic and well combined.

3. Cooling the dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 24 hours. This step is crucial, as it allows the flavors to meld and provides better texture.

4. Shaping the cakes
The next day, take the dough out of the refrigerator and let it temper for a few minutes. On a floured work surface, take a piece of dough and roll it out with a rolling pin until it reaches a thickness of about 5 mm. Use cookie cutters to create sweet cakes in various shapes. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

5. Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake the sweet cakes for 15-20 minutes until they turn slightly golden. Be careful, as baking time may vary depending on your oven. Once baked, let them cool completely on a wire rack.

6. Preparing the decoration
To create an attractive decoration, beat the egg whites with the powdered sugar until you obtain a firm meringue. Divide the meringue into three bowls. In the first bowl, add the lemon juice. In the second, add the mint syrup, and in the third, the pomegranate juice. Use a piping bag to decorate the sweet cakes with the colored meringue.

7. Serving
Once the sweet cakes are decorated, you can serve them immediately or store them in an airtight container. This dessert is perfect for gifting or enjoying alongside a cup of tea or coffee.

Practical tips:
- You can experiment with different spices or flavors by adding vanilla or orange essence for an even more refined taste.
- If you prefer a healthier option, replace sugar with honey or maple syrup.
- Instead of lard, you can use coconut oil for a vegan version.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of flour?
Yes, you can try whole wheat flour, but the texture will be slightly different.
- How can I store the sweet cakes?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will stay fresh for a few weeks.

Nutritional information:
This recipe provides a serving of approximately 150-200 calories per sweet cake, depending on size and decoration. The sweet cakes are rich in carbohydrates, but also in nutrients from honey and the spices used.

This dessert is not just a recipe, but a tradition, a way to bring joy into everyday life. With each bite, you will enjoy flavors and textures that will remind you of the beautiful moments spent with loved ones. Enjoy!