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History of Gingerbread
Gingerbread houses are a "must" on almost everyone’s list as part of the Christmas season celebration. Although you may have heard about gingerbread as a child in the story of Hansel and Gretel, this spicy sweet is perhaps the oldest cake in the world. It is said to have been invented by a Greek in 2800 BC and soon became famous throughout the Mediterranean area.
It made its way to England with the crusaders returning from the wars and by the 14th century it became customary to make it into fanciful shapes representing men, birds, and animals. In Shakespeare’s time it was a popular sweet treats and even Queen Elizabeth I of England gave gingerbread creations to her guests. Elaborate structures weighing as much as 150 pounds were often produce to celebrate certain occasions. Handsome pieces decorated and coated with gilt.
But finally it was the Brothers Grimm who made us remember gingerbread for all time because this was the material use to make the witches cottage.
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