Spiced Gingerbread

My parents came to visit us last weekend for some holiday shopping and Christmas cheer. Little did we know that 2 feet of snow was on the way! By Sunday morning the city was a winter wonderland. My mom and I took a walk in Central Park (left) while my dad and Greg went to see Avatar in IMAX 3D:)
Then I thought what could be better than cuddling up on the sofa with the smell of freshly baked Spiced Gingerbread filling the air? It's without a doubt my all-time favorite Christmas treat...a moist, rich bread/cake that's spiced with fresh grated ginger, molasses and cinnamon. I make my version with agave and maple syrup instead of white sugar and use Omega-3 Organic Eggs to add some heart-healthy essential fats. It's delicious for breakfast or dessert served warm with some whipped cream or Vanilla Coconut Ice Cream. Enjoy and Happy Holidays!!

Spiced Gingerbread
Time:1 hour baking time Serves: 6-8

5 Cups Whole-Grain Rye Flour
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves or 1/2 teaspoon garam marsala spice
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 cup Agave Nectar
1/2 cup Maple Syrup
2 cups Molasses
4 Organic Eggs (Omega-3 Eggs if available)
4 teaspoons Baking Soda
1 1/2 cups Boiling Water
4 ounces fresh grated ginger
Zest of 1 organic Lemon

1. Preheat oven to 350*F.
2. Grease a 15 1/2-by-4-inch loaf pan with Coconut Butter or Expeller Pressed Canola Oil (2 small loaf pans also work well)
3. Blend together the rye flour, cinnamon, cloves or garam marsala, and pepper in a large bowl.
4. In a separate bowl, beat together eggs, avage, maple syrup, molasses and oil until well combined.
5. Add mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until just blended.
6. Combine baking soda and boiling water, and add to the batter along with the ginger and lemon zest. Mix until just blended.
7. Pour into the greased pan(s) and bake for about an hour or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Don't over-bake as the cake will continue to cook and set up while it cools.

*Click here to learn about the health benefits of fresh ginger root.