DIY: Homemade Gingerbread with Cream Cheese Icing

It's been approximately a week since my last blog post...
{where have I been?...in my kitchen}

Yes...it's true...I have been one sugar slinging, mincing, mashing, dash of this...pinch of that...baking machine! I know what you're thinking... 
what have you been whipping up in there? {hmmm....where to start...there have been so many holiday treats...}

So...since it's one of my favorites...let's start with Homemade Gingerbread with Cream Cheese Icing and then we'll work our way to savory treats like Sausage and Cheese Breakfast Casserole...Yum!

Here we go!

My friends love treats...and I love my friends...so I decided to make a few goodie bags for some of my favorite people. Did I mention...I love gingerbread!...and since I only seem to enjoy it once a year...I jumped at the opportunity to whip some up! {there are mixes available at your local grocery store...but if you're feeling ambitious...try this recipe out!}

Homemade Gingerbread
What you'll need:
1 heaping cup of sifted all-purpose flour
1 1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp salt
1/3 cup butter
1/3 cup vegetable shortening
1/2 cup boiling water
1/3 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
1/2 cup molasses
1 egg {beaten}

{see below for cream cheese icing recipe}

Sift dry ingredients and spices together. Add shortening and butter to boiling water; stir until melted. Add sugar and molasses. Combine mixture with dry ingredients. Add beaten egg and stir until gingerbread batter is smooth. Pour gingerbread batter into a buttered and floured 9-inch square baking pan or a mini loaf pan {makes 8 mini loaves}. Bake at 350° for 35 to 40 minutes {for 9-inch pan} or 18 minutes {for mini loaf pan}...place knife into center of loaves and make sure it comes out clean...if so...they're done! Let gingerbread cool, then drizzle with Cream Cheese Icing. {see recipe below}

Cream Cheese Icing
What you'll need:
4 oz of softened cream cheese {regular...low fat or fat free will not work for this}
1/2 stick of softened butter
1 tsp. of vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups of confectioners sugar

Place all ingredients into a large bowl and whip with an electric mixer. Either spread over loaves...or warm up in microwave until a little liquidy {about 15 to 25 seconds} and drizzle over loaves using a spoon. Allow icing to dry and become a little firm before packaging.

So sweet and delicious...and even kind of precious to look at! The bonus...it tastes like Christmastime and makes your entire house smell amazing when they come out of the oven!

So...if you're looking for something festive for your holiday gathering, a treat for neighbors, co-workers or friends...or even a little treat for yourself, give this recipe a try!

On the other hand...if you're in the mood for chocolate and melt in your mouth awesomeness...stay tuned! {Fantasy Fudge is coming up next!}