Each year at the beginning of December the Langley Elks #259 host a children’s Christmas party.
The aim is to help families in the community who otherwise wouldn’t afford a gift for their child/children.
The party includes lots of Christmas cheer, games, a visit with Santa, a small dinner (usually pizza or hotdogs), as well as crafts for the children to do, including decorating a gingerbread man – which they can take home with them (if they don’t eat it right away).
The party is open to children up to the age of 11 and their parent(s), grandparent(s), or other family members, with each child 11 or younger receiving a gift and a small goodie bag to take home.
It’s a fun day and in keeping with the Langley Elks #259 focus on families and community.
In keeping with that theme, the Elks are sharing a gingerbread man recipe.
from the Langley Elks #259
Gingerbread Man Cookies
Makes 26 cookies
Ingredients:
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 1/3 cup molasses
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2-2/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• Frosting of choice
Directions:
1. Cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in molasses, egg and water. In another bowl, whisk together remaining ingredients minus frosting; gradually beat into creamed mixture. Divide dough in half. Shape each into a disk; wrap in plastic. Refrigerate until easy to handle, about 30 minutes.
2. Preheat oven to 350°. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion of dough to 1/8-in. thickness. Cut with a floured 4-in. gingerbread man cookie cutter. Place 2 in. apart on greased baking sheets.
3. Bake until edges are firm, 8-10 minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool completely. Frost as desired. Yield: about 2 dozen.
Total time: 40 min. + chilling Bake: 10 min. /batch + cooling.