First Catch Your Gingerbread

Gingerbread is a lovely, squidgy treat which has played a part in almost everyone's childhood. But do you know what gingerbread was made of when it first arrived on our plates; was it flavoured with honey? When did treacle, dark and sticky, and strong tasting, which adds moisture, depth of flavour and character to baking, first become available? Then there is the question of when gingerbread migrated from the home kitchen to commercial products. And why did the gingerbread man leap from the tin, and run so fast with a fox snapping at his heels? Sam Bilton examines the history of gingerbread, from ancient times right up to the present day, before introducing us to a range of delicious gingerbread and ginger cake recipes that bring the story of this spicy and much loved treat to life.