Quick-picture the last gingerbread house you saw Matt Wile Vikings Jersey , in your mind. Now, without thinking about it, what was the season when you saw it? Chances are, it was Christmas-time. Few treats are as closely associated with Christmas as gingerbread, and rarely do we see it, any other time of the year-which is amazing, since your kids can't seem to get enough of it Rashod Hill Vikings Jersey , when it's offered.
As well, we seem to have it embedded in our cultural consciousness that gingerbread is somehow inherently English and Victorian. But the history of gingerbread goes back much further than nineteenth century Europe.
The word ginger probably comes from an ancient Sanskrit word-"sringavera"-which means "horn-shaped root". All ginger comes from a rhizome we call ginger root, native to Asia, but grown extensively today in Jamaica.
In ancient China, it was used as a medicine. In ancient Rome, it was used as a spice-and was heavily taxed. Ginger first became popular in Europe during the Middle Ages, probably brought in by returning Crusaders. Originally used as a spicy delicacy Tom Compton Vikings Jersey , the Europeans soon discovered ginger's preservative properties, and began treating their meat with it, as a way of preservation and a way of disguising the meat's odor, as it aged. As ginger became more widely used, it became more expensive, and was one of the most precious spices traded in Medieval Europe.
By the fifteenth century, Europeans relied heavily on ginger and it was imported in large quantities Dan Bailey Vikings Jersey , bringing prices down a bit. Europeans also began using ginger as a primary flavoring for cakes and breads. Most countries developed unique gingerbread recipes, which they showcased at the many gingerbread "fairs", popular throughout the continent.
Eventually, gingerbread-making became a highly respected profession in and of itself, completely distinct from other bakery professions. In Germany, England, and France Brett Jones Vikings Jersey , gingerbread bakers formed their own guilds, similar to unions, and were recognized by their respective governments.
Gingerbread cakes and cookies became associated with many holidays, and were baked into shapes relevant to special celebrations. The Germans became famous for their shaped ginger creations. Nuremberg became the unofficial ginger capital of Europe, where artisans from other crafts-wood-cutters, sculptors, etc.-fashioned elaborate molds used by gingerbread bakers to make beautiful delicacies.
When the Brothers Grimm published their collections of fairy tales Danielle Hunter Vikings Jersey , the witch's house in "Hansel & Gretel' was described as a house of candies and cakes, but German bakers began the tradition of crafting "Hexenhaeusle", or witches' houses, a tradition which led to the gingerbread houses we know today.
American gingerbread makes use of maple syrup and fewer spices in most recipes, lending a heavy sweetness not found in most European brands.
Enjoy all the gingerbread you can, this season. But remember, it's a wonderful confection that tastes just as good in July as in December. Author's Resource Box
Brought to you by Imaginary Greetings Eric Kendricks Vikings Jersey , a regular contributor of valuable family oriented content. Learn how to truly light up your childs eyes this holiday season like never before with a personalized phone call from Santa.
Article Source:
Mr Putin announced the move at the Russian Hmeimim airbase in Syria
Russia has begun withdrawing some of its troops from Syria, Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Monday.
President Vladimir Putin ordered the partial withdrawal during an unannounced visit to Syria on Monday.
Russian support has been crucial in turning the tide of Syria's civil war in favour of government forces, led by president Bashar al-Assad.
Mr Putin made a similar withdrawal announcement last year, but Russian military operations continued.
When asked how long it would take for Russia to withdraw its military contingent, Mr Shoigu said that this would "depend on the situation" in Syria.
The Russian president was met by Mr al-Assad at the Russian Hmeimim airbase near Latakia.
Mr Putin said: "I order the defence minister and the chief of the general staff to start withdrawing the Russian group of troops to their permanent bases," according to the Russian RIA Novosti news agency.
"I have taken a decision: a significant part of the Russian troop contingent located in Syria is returning home to Russia," he added.
Less than a week after announcing he will stand for re-election Trae Waynes Vikings Jersey , Vladimir Putin flies to Syria and declares victory. Coincidence? Probably not.
Signalling the end of Russia's military operation in Syria will go down well with Russian voters.
Electoral concerns apart, Moscow views its two-year campaign in Syria as a success - and not only in terms of fighting international terrorism.
The Russians have succeeded in keeping a key ally, President Assad, in power. In the process, Russia has been guaranteed a long-term military presence in Syria, with its two bases Hmeimim and Tartus. Moscow has also raised its profile across the Middle East.
Then there's the global stage. The operation in Syria prevented Moscow's international isolation.
Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 had sparked Western sanctions and earned the country, in the eyes of some Western governments Laquon Treadwell Vikings Jersey , the label "pariah state". The Syria operation forced Western leaders to sit down and negotiate with Russia's leadership.
Mr Putin said that if "terrorists raise their heads again", Russia would "carry out such strikes on them which they have never seen".
"We will never forget the victims and losses suffered in the fight against terror both here in Syria and also in Russia," he said.