Gingerbread

Gingerbread is a traditional baked good typical of Central European and Nordic cuisine, flavored with a blend of spices, usually cinnamon, cloves, ginger, anise, and cardamom. The dough is based on flour, honey or sugar, eggs, and fat. It comes in two main forms, soft gingerbread and hard gingerbread. The soft variety is served sliced or in a loaf shape, while the hard variety is used for decorating, especially at Christmas. Gingerbread is traditionally baked during Advent but is enjoyed year-round. Older gingerbread, when grated, serves as an ingredient in sauces and festive dishes. It is a symbol of Central European Christmas tradition.