Gingerbread and Lemon Curd

It's holiday season, so of course it's gingerbread season!

   I'm stuck inside with a cold. We have not had heat in the house for about a month, so I'm huddled in front of the TV watching a "Toddlers and Tiaras" marathon and having a gingerbread snack. I'm also enjoying Celestial Seasonings' Sugar Plum Spice tea. Yum!

   Not all gingerbread is created equal, and sometimes it can be difficult to bake the perfect loaf. However, some store-bought gingerbread can satisfy the holiday cravings.
   We started off the season with a loaf from Trader Joe's. At first it looks very appetizing, and you get a decent amount for the price. However, it is chronically dry (like many of TJ's baked goods), and the only redeeming factor is the yummy powdered sugar top. It doesn't have a whole lot of ginger bite, but that may appeal to some people who are not fans of ginger.
   However, the gingerbread cake from Whole Foods was worlds better, and it only cost a dollar more. It was soft, moist, and packed a good load of ginger. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who wished to purchase a gingerbread cake this year. I'm not a huge fan of gingerbread cookies or houses (to eat I mean!), since they tend to be tasteless and dry. I have always wanted to decorate a gingerbread house, but I have never had the chance! :(

We can't forget the best condiment for gingerbread! By far, my favorite thing to slather over the holiday cake (or crumpets, or scones) is lemon curd. If you have never had it, you have no idea what you're missing! Some people mistake it for lemon honey, since it has a smooth, viscous consistency and a pale yellow color. The best lemon curd is going to taste like a sweet lemon instead of sugar. Unfortunately, most lemon curds that I have tried all have too much sugar. The best brand has been from Trader Joe's. It's buttery and has just the right amount of lemon. It comes in a cute square glass jar and is even imported from England. It's also perfect for baking and filling pastries. Of course, it tastes fantastic on gingerbread, and can help liven up dry loafs.