Lill’s Blueberries in the Gingerbread 🌿🍇
Description 📜
Dive into the delightful fusion of moist gingerbread and plump blueberries with Lill’s Blueberries in the Gingerbread! Adapted from The Grass Roots Cookbook by Jean Anderson, this beloved recipe combines the comforting warmth of gingerbread with the refreshing burst of blueberries, creating a treat that’s perfect for dessert or brunch. Each bite is a nostalgic journey into classic American flavors, cherished by many and now, shared with you from kitchens across the land.
Ingredients 🛒
- 2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup margarine
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 cup white sugar (for topping)
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup molasses
- 4 cups fresh blueberries
Nutritional Information 📊
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 261.6 kcal |
| Fat Content | 8.5 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 5.1 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 36.6 mg |
| Sodium Content | 299.9 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 43.7 g |
| Fiber Content | 1 g |
| Sugar Content | 25.8 g |
| Protein Content | 3.5 g |
Servings 🍽️
This recipe yields 12 scrumptious servings.
Preparation and Cooking Times ⏲️
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 15 minutes | 50 minutes | 1 hour 5 minutes |
Instructions 📋
-
Preheat the Oven:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s perfectly heated by the time you’re ready to bake.
-
Sift the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together 2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ginger, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
-
Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- In another bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of margarine, 1/2 cup of shortening, and 1 cup of white sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
-
Beat in the Egg:
- Add the egg to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, beating until fully incorporated and smooth.
-
Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk Mixture:
- In a small bowl, dissolve 1 teaspoon of baking soda in 1 cup of buttermilk.
- Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with the soda-buttermilk mixture. Start and end with the dry ingredients to ensure everything is well incorporated.
-
Incorporate Molasses and Blueberries:
- Stir in 1 cup of molasses until evenly mixed.
- Gently fold in 4 cups of fresh blueberries, being careful not to crush them to maintain their burst of flavor in the gingerbread.
-
Prepare the Baking Pan:
- Grease and flour a 9 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the gingerbread after baking.
-
Spoon the Batter and Add Topping:
- Spoon the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of white sugar over the top of the batter to create a delightful sugary crust.
-
Bake:
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake at 350°F for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
-
Cool and Serve:
- Allow the gingerbread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice into squares and serve. Enjoy this delectable treat warm or at room temperature.
Tips and Tricks ✨
- Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using.
- Blueberry Substitution: Frozen blueberries can be used if fresh ones are not available. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to prevent excess moisture in the batter.
- Spice it Up: For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of cloves or nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
Serving Suggestions 🍽️
- Brunch Delight: Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful brunch treat.
- Holiday Favorite: This gingerbread makes an excellent addition to holiday dessert tables. Pair with a hot cup of coffee or a festive mug of mulled wine.
- Gift Idea: Wrap slices in parchment paper and tie with a ribbon for a homemade gift that’s sure to be appreciated.
Enjoy Lill’s Blueberries in the Gingerbread, a recipe that combines the best of traditional flavors with a touch of fruity freshness, making it a timeless favorite. Happy baking! 🍰🍇
