I think it will come as no surprise, that hosting events and parties for family and friends is one of my favourite hobbies. Be it Christmas, a birthday or some other party, I really do enjoy all the planning, decorating and cooking that is required (much to Mr BBB’s frustration lol). 
Last year, Mr BBB and I hosted our first Christmas in our new family home, with a flurry of decorating and baking taking place before the big day. You can find all of my 2010 Christmas Countdown posts below:
- How to plan the perfect Christmas menu
- How to be a stress-free host
- It’s a wrap
- Getting crafty (homemade bonbons)
- Oh Christmas Tree
- Feeling Saucy: Cherry Port Sauce
- Room at the Inn
- Truffle time
- To market she did go
This year, we are spending Christmas with my family in Melbourne. Christmas Eve will be with family and friends in Melbourne, Christmas Day with my Mum and little brother, and Boxing Day with my Dad in rural Victoria. And, although we are planning on keeping it pretty low key, I wanted to put together a basket of homemade sweet treats and other nibbles to take down with me – to share amongst our guests at the various parties and mealtimes. I also have a few functions this week that call for a plate of treats to be provided. And so my 5 days of Homemade Holiday Treats begins! 
That’s right – 5 days of nothing but sugar and sweetness on BBB! I think I should probably give my dentist a call now 
Starting with…. 
Gingerbread doughnuts! aka. a tasty little treat to take to a work morning tea. Just whisk the dry. 
Add the wet. 
Stir to a batter. 
Pipe… 
Bake… 
And glaze. 
And serve. 
I am loving the baked variety of this normally-fried treat. 
These took only 10 minutes in the oven, a few minutes to glaze, making them a morning tea that you can throw together quite easily. 
They will keep overnight in an airtight container, but they really are best eaten on the day they are made. 
Delish! Gingerbread doughnuts (makes 12 large) (adapted from Pinch of Yum)
- 2 cups spelt (use GF plain flour to make these GF)
- 1.5 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1tbs ground ginger
- 1tbs ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup applesauce
- 3 tbs maple syrup
- 50ml milk
- 50g melted butter
Glaze
- 30g butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 40ml milk
- 1 cup icing sugar
- Preheat oven to 180C. Grease 2 x 6 hole large doughnut pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. Make a well in the Centre.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients. Pour into the dry ingredients, and stir until just combined.
- Spoon into a piping bag, and pipe into doughnut tins (to about 3/4 full).
- Bake for 10 –12 minutes. Allow to cool in pan for 5 minutes, then turn out onto wire rack.
- To make the glaze – melt the butter and brown sugar in a small saucepan over a low heat. Add the milk, and heat (stirring) for 1 minute. Add the icing sugar, and whisk to combine until smooth and glossy.
- While warm, pour the glaze over the doughnuts.
What about you? Are you more of party planner or a party goer?