Cookies

Victorian Gingerbread Valentines

In Victorian times lovers declared their
affections via words, songs, pictures and foods.
One such food was gingerbread "life cakes" in the
shape of hearts.

• 2 1/2 cups unsifted flour
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup margarine
• 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 1/3 cup dark corn syrup
• 1 large egg

In large bowl, sift together flour, cinnamon,
ginger, cloves and salt.
Blend together margarine and brown sugar until
smooth. Add corn syrup and egg; beat well. Add
dry ingredients, about one-third at a time,
mixing until smooth after each addition. Chill
dough one hour.
Roll out half of dough on lightly floured surface
to one-quarter-inch thickness. (Reserve other half
for decoratins or for a second batch of cookies.)
Using hear-shaped cookie cutter, press out cookie
shapes or use knife to cut around a pattern.
Place hearts on cookie sheet. Decorate as desired.
Bake at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes until
golden. Remove and place on wire racks to cool.
Store in covered container.

Makes about eight 4 1/2 inch cookies.