Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Fresh Ginger and Chocolate Gingerbread (Tuesdays with Dorie)

Fresh Ginger and Chocolate Gingerbread
Fresh Ginger and Chocolate Gingerbread

For this week's Tuesdays with Dorie, Heather of Sherry Trifle chose Fresh Ginger and Chocolate Gingerbread on page 212 of Dorie's book, Baking: From My Home to Yours.

Recently, I confessed that The Real Housewives of the OC (the original is best, and so scary close to my home in LA) is on my DVR.

There are two types of shows in my life: Live and DVR. I must watch Top Chef live because I need to discuss it with Kathy at work the next day! Okay, that one isn't embarrassing...but this next one is:

Randy Jackson's America's Best Dance Crew

Oh dear. I'm a 38 year old librarian and I craft my schedule so I can watch and VOTE (yes, vote) for America's Best Dance Crew. Am I a secret hip-hop dancer? No. This is the best description of my dancing abilities:

I have so little rhythm that I can't even do the rhythm method.

However, I just love this show. Those youths of today are pretty talented. Check it out - even if you are way too old for it. And don't forgot to txt in your vote. :) My favorites are Los Angeles based, Beat Freaks and Quest Crew. Whew, I feel better getting that confession off my chest. Alright, what's on your DVR? (Yes, Linda, I'm asking you! :)

Fresh Ginger and Chocolate Gingerbread
Okay, back to the baking. Quite simply, it's yum. Not much else to say. If you like holiday spices, make this. If you like ginger, make this. And chocolate, well, you get the idea. I picked up this bittersweet chocolate at Trader Joe's...it's pretty inexpensive and good when chocolate isn't the center of attention.

Fresh Ginger and Chocolate Gingerbread
Gotta run. House and The Closer are on tonight! :) Check out the other Tuesdays with Dorie bakers!

56 comments:

  1. SihanJanuary 27, 2009 at 12:12 AM

    well. i catch the jist. It satisfies that many groups of pple. fantastic aye! love you neat cuts! wonderful!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Monica HJanuary 27, 2009 at 12:35 AM

    Yum! I'm not a huge fan of fresh ginger but these are so different. These look fantastic and those little flecks of chocolate are calling my name.

    ReplyDelete
  3. AudreyJanuary 27, 2009 at 1:54 AM

    Nuts! I completey forgot to check out Trader Joe's for my chocolate! Your cake looks wonderful...and your frosting, unlike mine, looks smooth, thick and perfect, like Dorie's. (I haven't DVR'd it, because I don't want to leave evidence behind, but I couldn't tear myself away last week from a show called "Bulging Brides"...)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Snooky doodleJanuary 27, 2009 at 2:33 AM

    Looks delicious to me and those flecks look so nice :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. CristineJanuary 27, 2009 at 3:00 AM

    Your cake looks fantastic!

    I wish I had DVR, but on post here in Germany it just isn't available!

    ReplyDelete
  6. AnonymousJanuary 27, 2009 at 5:03 AM

    The gingerbread looks perfect! So happy you liked it. I'm thinking I should make it tonight, since it's freezing here and snow is expected.

    ReplyDelete
  7. PamelaJanuary 27, 2009 at 5:28 AM

    Okay, Mary. I just about spit my tea out when I read your description of how much rhythm you have! LOL!
    Believe it or not, I just got my DVR a couple of days ago and I'm ready to get that sucker loaded up! I really loved this cake, too. Great job!

    ReplyDelete
  8. UnknownJanuary 27, 2009 at 6:06 AM

    Your cake looks wonderful! And don't worry, you're not the only one with embarrassing shows on your DVR :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. vibiJanuary 27, 2009 at 6:14 AM

    LOL LOL You crack me up! We are so alike, apparently not only our birthdays are the same, but our rythmic abilities! LOL I think though, I can do worse than you... my coordination is so bad, I can simply NOT drive a stick shift!
    But thank goodness, this doesn't impair our baking and cooking skills! LOL For even if the manufacture wanted to make that gingerbread squarer... they couldn't!!! LOL Beautiful, Mary!

    ReplyDelete
  10. steph- whisk/spoonJanuary 27, 2009 at 6:27 AM

    everyone has their secret TV addictions (one of mine is totally weird--the suze orman show--i just like listening to her yell at people). your cake looks great--bring it over and we'll go thru my DVR!

    ReplyDelete
  11. MariaJanuary 27, 2009 at 6:50 AM

    The cake looks perfect!! Great photos too!! I think we all have our favorite "lame" shows, they just suck us in:)

    ReplyDelete
  12. AnonymousJanuary 27, 2009 at 7:09 AM

    I don't have television and don't really have a clue what your talking about, but it sounds pretty rad to me, Quest Crew? That's got to be good. Back when I lived near my boyfriend's parent's house I would record the Match Game, Let's Make a Deal and the Golden Girls on their DVR. Those were the days. And the baking? I loved them too.

    ReplyDelete
  13. JodieJanuary 27, 2009 at 7:25 AM

    Haha, we live in the same neighborhood as one of the Housewives and my husband met her last week. She struck up a conversation with him, but he pretended that he didn't know who she was. :) They're so fun to hate! Oh your cake looks great too!

    ReplyDelete
  14. HeatherJanuary 27, 2009 at 8:23 AM

    i love the housewives show, too. it's more like it's just so fun to hate them. the pictures look really tasty!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Cooking for Comfort by JenniferJanuary 27, 2009 at 9:09 AM

    You are TOO funny!

    Your cake looks yummy!

    ReplyDelete
  16. PearlJanuary 27, 2009 at 9:34 AM

    hahahahaha - on my DVR, i have desperate housewives. i used to also have "Momma's boys" as embarrassing as it really is.

    ReplyDelete
  17. DiJanuary 27, 2009 at 9:46 AM

    *sigh* I miss Trader Joes... none in Texas. I originally got spoiled when I was going to school in Pasadena. And they finally opened a couple when I was living in Seattle. But I've lived away from one for way too long now.

    Your gingerbread looks terrific. =)

    ReplyDelete
  18. MelissaJanuary 27, 2009 at 10:17 AM

    Your gingerbread squares are PERFECT!

    ReplyDelete
  19. betty geekJanuary 27, 2009 at 10:24 AM

    I love TJ's chocolate for everyday baking. Your icing look perfect. Nice job there, mate!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Lisa magicsprinklesJanuary 27, 2009 at 10:35 AM

    yummm and thanks for the tip. I'll need to check out the dancing for the kiddos!

    ReplyDelete
  21. AnonymousJanuary 27, 2009 at 11:25 AM

    Your gingerbread looks amazing! I love Tivo so much. Unfortunately, I have a bunch of shows on backlog. Lack of time!

    ReplyDelete
  22. AnonymousJanuary 27, 2009 at 12:11 PM

    Trader Joe's chocolate is great and definitely helps on the wallet. Your brownies sound so delicious. Haven't thought of ginger with chocolate...

    ReplyDelete
  23. Mary AnnJanuary 27, 2009 at 12:46 PM

    I am a little embarassed to admit that I don't have DVR! I don't watch any tv at all. oh well, there I said it.
    Your gingerbread is picture perfect.

    ReplyDelete
  24. TammyJanuary 27, 2009 at 12:50 PM

    I am jealous of your perfect icing in that first photo/ I loved this cake

    ReplyDelete
  25. kimberly salemJanuary 27, 2009 at 1:06 PM

    mmm, your gingerbread looks gorgeous! lol about america's best dance crew. i'd say my most guilty pleasure is america's next top model. i am also a fellow top chef and house fan :)

    ReplyDelete
  26. The Blonde DuckJanuary 27, 2009 at 2:20 PM

    You seriously should do a cookbook. The photos would be awesome!

    ReplyDelete
  27. RachelJanuary 27, 2009 at 3:25 PM

    Ha I too plan my schedule so that I can watch certain shows live (24 and ahem...Gossip Girl). Your cake looks beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  28. AnonymousJanuary 27, 2009 at 4:04 PM

    Oh no, the "Real Housewives of OC''?? Everytime I catch my hubby watching that, I just roll my eyes. He says, "It's a train wreck. You can't help but look at it.''

    Well, I couldn't help but look at the fresh ginger and chocolate gingerbread. It's no train wreck. It just contains some of my very favorite flavors, namely chocolate and fresh ginger. What a sublime combination.

    ReplyDelete
  29. EsiJanuary 27, 2009 at 4:45 PM

    I watch Real Housewives too...and last year I got into the NY housewives, but I can't bring myself to watch Atlanta also. Other than that it is lots and lots of scripted television so I can be on top of what's going on for work.

    Your cake looks beautiful as usual. :)

    ReplyDelete
  30. Engineer BakerJanuary 27, 2009 at 5:02 PM

    Hehe - I plan around Grey's Anatomy, and on my days off I plan my workouts so that I can watch Everyday Italian and The Barefoot Contessa on food network :) I like your description of the gingerbread; simple and sweet and YUM.

    ReplyDelete
  31. AnonymousJanuary 27, 2009 at 6:27 PM

    Beeeeautiful gingerbread! I used Trader Joe's chocolate too! It's so much cheaper than gourmet chocolate, and it's good eating too!

    ReplyDelete
  32. AnonymousJanuary 27, 2009 at 6:30 PM

    I've never seen the "real housewives" it will probably been late here to Japan.. ahhh "sigh".

    Choco Gingerbread... oh my gosh that looks like Ganache on top... YUMMY

    ReplyDelete
  33. Passionate BakerJanuary 27, 2009 at 6:38 PM

    your gingerbread looks fantastic!
    greaaat pictures.
    good job!<3

    ReplyDelete
  34. Jules SomeoneJanuary 27, 2009 at 7:26 PM

    Tivo is the best invention ever. Next to this cake that is.

    ReplyDelete
  35. BerylJanuary 27, 2009 at 7:36 PM

    Everybody has skeletons in their dvr closet. I'm a housewives watcher too- its awful but I cant stop! My husband even turned down a job for that show because he thought it was unwatchable! Even worse, I've watched The City (hangs head).
    Gorgeous cake!

    ReplyDelete
  36. Welcome to our crazy blessed lifeJanuary 27, 2009 at 7:44 PM

    Love the little squares! Cute! I am jealous that you get to go to TJs!

    ReplyDelete
  37. MeganJanuary 27, 2009 at 8:06 PM

    I will remember the line of "I can't even do the rhythm method" for a very loooong time. Thanks for the laugh.

    I don't even have to tell you that, as usual, your photos are just outstanding.

    ReplyDelete
  38. BanjoJanuary 27, 2009 at 8:29 PM

    ha cute post & your bread looks beautiful!!

    ReplyDelete
  39. JudyJanuary 27, 2009 at 10:44 PM

    Did we cut our pieces from the same pan? They look so much alike. Sadly, I am now out of TJs Amazingly Huge Chocolate Bars, so I will have to stop tomorrow and replenish my supply so I can bake on. Looks delicious!

    ReplyDelete
  40. Kel Baking LifeJanuary 28, 2009 at 3:50 AM

    That's so funny. House & The closer are my favorite shows ever...They both rulez!!! :)) Great cake by the way!

    ReplyDelete
  41. AnonymousJanuary 28, 2009 at 3:59 AM

    real housewives, top chef and the closer are my must watches every week, but NONE of my friends watch any of them so i can never discuss the episodes. but randy's dance crew?? hadn't heard of it. this gingerbread was so delicious, i'm glad i made a full recipe.

    ReplyDelete
  42. DanielleJanuary 28, 2009 at 4:34 AM

    Great job your cake looks great.
    I really need to check out my local Trader Joes!

    ReplyDelete
  43. jesseJanuary 28, 2009 at 5:32 AM

    Scrumptious! Mmm, I wanna reach out and just grab one right now.

    ReplyDelete
  44. LindaJanuary 28, 2009 at 7:24 AM

    I'm totally getting called out here! ;)

    I'm not revealing my entire hall of shame lineup on my DVR box, but here's a tidbit (and to my hubby's horror that I'm admitting this), just for you Mary --- The Hills, The City, and Rock of Love. Okay, next topic please!!!

    ReplyDelete
  45. AmyRuthJanuary 28, 2009 at 7:26 AM

    Get over the guilt, (unless you're Catholic) hehe and enjoy laughing at yourself. LOL I loved the comment about your rhythm. LOL Funny Girl. I love AI and yes, I vote too. I'm wayyyy older than you. he he
    The funniest thing has happened to my dried out, lack of enough butta gingerbread, it is becoming moist. Who knew? Thanks for the giggles and thanks for stopping by, sorry about the sugar in your cake. darn
    AmyRuth

    ReplyDelete
  46. CathyJanuary 28, 2009 at 8:17 AM

    That's okay, I don't think that anybody does the rhythm method very well. That's why I have so many aunts and uncles (not that I'm complaining!)!!!! Your gingerbread looks FABULOUS!

    ReplyDelete
  47. AnonymousJanuary 28, 2009 at 8:39 AM

    beautiful pics!

    ReplyDelete
  48. AnonymousJanuary 28, 2009 at 10:21 AM

    Hey....don't make fun of the DVR-obsessed because you are talking about me too! I am obsessed with Big Love and am putting everyone to bed for a long nap so I can catch up. I miss Mad Men and want it to come back soon!

    ReplyDelete
  49. UnknownJanuary 28, 2009 at 11:18 AM

    What sweet-looking little squares...must check out TJs chocolate.

    I grew up in OC and my husband is obsessed with RHOC...I try to explain it wasn't really like that...well, not much...

    ReplyDelete
  50. AnonymousJanuary 28, 2009 at 11:43 AM

    Unfortunately, I don't have any Live shows. With little kids, I find it easier to watch everything late on DVR. I'll have to check out the Dance Crew. I love those shows.

    ReplyDelete
  51. Nancy/n.o.eJanuary 28, 2009 at 12:26 PM

    Love the peek into your TV habits! ha ha. The Atlanta Housewives show was supposed to be cringe-worthy. I mean, who lives like that???

    Your gingerbread is so pretty.
    Nancy

    ReplyDelete
  52. StephJanuary 28, 2009 at 12:52 PM

    That looks like the perfect square. I schedule my life around tv too..haha, in particular gossip girl and grey anatomy although I just watch them off youtube to save time on commercials!

    ReplyDelete
  53. dharmagirlJanuary 28, 2009 at 7:31 PM

    Oooh, your pieces of cake look delicious!

    I've been watching *The Bachelor,* which is very embarrassing to admit:)

    ReplyDelete
  54. AprilJanuary 29, 2009 at 8:56 AM

    That top layer of frosting looks so good! And again I'm so jealous of your proximity to TJ's.

    ReplyDelete
  55. Apples and ButterJanuary 29, 2009 at 9:21 AM

    Looks delicious! I love those huge Trader Joe's bars when you need quantity more than quality! I totally catch the reruns of the OC housewives. Such a guilty pleasure!

    ReplyDelete
  56. TeaLadyJanuary 29, 2009 at 11:16 AM

    Those look wonderful. I didn't know Trader Joe made chocolate. Guess it is my small town living....

    ReplyDelete