G is for Gingerbread
Gingerbread is found in Ancient Greece and Egypt and it was used in ceremonies. It was the crusaders who brought ginger to Europe in 11th Century. Only the rich could afford the spice to begin with, however as it became more affordable so gingerbread became popular.
Queen Elizabeth I created gingerbread men for her guests. They soon became common at fairs and in bakeries decorated with ribbons and icing.
The gingerbread house became popular in Germany after the publication of Hansel and Gretel by the Brothers Grimm in 19th Century. They were then taken to the US and take on many very intricate designs. They never really became fashionable in the UK.
Gingerbread can be eaten as a cake or a biscuit in England and the biscuits are popular as part of the Christmas festivities.
Run, run as fast as you can, you can't catch me, I'm the gingerbread man!
No comments:
Post a Comment