Involving children in meal preparation is an important part of healthy eating. It also helps to build their selfesteem, creativity and independence.

Gingerbread Cookies

125 mL Western family non-hydrogenated ½ cup margarine
175 mL lightly packed brown sugar ¾ cup
125 mL granulated sugar ½ cup
15 mL molasses 1 tbsp
2 Western Family eggs
750 mL Western Family all-purpose flour 3 cups
5 mL baking soda 1 tsp
3 mL salt ½ tsp
8 mL ground ginger 1 ½ tsp
10 mL cinnamon 2 tsp
5 mL allspice 1 tsp
60 mL 1% or skim milk ¼ cup

1. In a large bowl using an electric mixer, cream margarine and sugars together. Blend in molasses until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in eggs, one at a time.

2. In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt and spices.

3. Gradually add dry ingredients to creamed sugar, alternating with milk (about 1 cup flour mixture and 1 tbsp milk). Mix until well combined and dough forms.

4. Cover and chill for 1 hour.

5. Preheat oven to 350 F (180 C). Spray cookie sheets with cooking spray.

6. Roll out dough on lightly floured surface to in (1 cm) thickness. Using gingerbread people or Christmas cookie cutters, allow children to cut out cookies.

7. Bake cookies for 8 to 10 minutes until golden brown. Allow cookies to cool before decorating. Store in an airtight container or freeze for treats over the holiday season.

8. Allow kids to be creative by icing and decorating their cookies with small candies. Visit our Bulk Foods department for a selection of Christmas candy perfect for decorating these gingerbread cookies (small gumdrops, Smarties, and mini M&M's work well).


Makes 22-25 gingerbread people.

Nutritional analysis per serving
Calories 154 Protein 2.4 g Fat 4.8 g Carbohydrates 25 g Dietary Fibre 0.6 g