Hawkens Gingerbread Gazette | Christmas 2022

Welcome!

Hello and welcome to the final Gingerbread Gazette of the year; it’s been a while, and since the last issue, a lot has happened.

Tis the season to be jolly, although, we are still finding it remarkable how quickly the year has passed by! In this edition, we discuss one of the core elements of Christmas; love! We also share festive recipes to provide you with all of the magical mouth-watering moments; a stockist shoutout for some of our online retailers; something for the kids and final words from Alastair to round up 2022. Happy reading, folks and Merry Christmas from ours to yours!

Christmas cheer!

From spending time with loved ones to preparing for the feast of all feasts, we’re here to spread the Christmas cheer…

The clocks have changed, Halloween is over, the nights are darker and the weather is colder, which means one thing and one thing only - Christmas is here! Although we cannot believe how quickly 2022 is passing, we are completely and utterly ready for a season of living, laughing and loving.

Festive food preparation

What is Christmas without mouthwatering, melt-in-the-mouth moments? This season is all about indulging and perhaps ‘forgetting’ about the strict health and fitness regime we have managed to master throughout the year. Early preparations of food cupboard musthaves, such as crackers, cakes, share-pack savoury and sweet things, as well as Hawkens Gingerbread treats are beginning to pile-up, maybe you’ve bought ‘too much’ and opening a packet or two would do no harm. We know that you’re not passing any supermarket aisle filled with Christmas food without popping a few of your favourites in the basket, ready for your pantry at home. We also know that the lead-up to Christmas requires snacks and bites to keep you going, so whatever it is that you’re indulging in, this is our reminder to not think twice about reaching for one more, maybe two - it is Christmas after all.

Aside from the food cupboard preparations, the ‘head chef’ of the house is already thinking about what Christmas dinner will look like this year. Will it be the traditional turkey, or, will you go for something different to tantalise the taste-buds of those hungry humans in your household? All the trimmings and more; puddings that will only leave you nursing a food baby, but totally worth it, of course. One element of the ‘head chef’s’ thinking behind this year’s feast is quantity; will there be

enough,will I be making too much - the latter is never a cause for concern, because let’s face it, who doesn’t love a leftover picky lunch/dinner filled with favourites from the main event?

An afternoon getting the tree up

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree! Whether you are the person who puts the tree up on November 2st, December 1st or, a week before Christmas, there’s no better feeling than shopping for a selection of Christmas decorations and baubles to complement your existing collection for this year’s tree. We know that getting the tree out of the loft is the most challenging part of decorating the tree, however, that feeling of distress is soon alleviated when playing a Christmas playlist to get you in the mood for an afternoon of decorating and decking the halls!

Whether there’s a particular theme for this year’s tree, or, you are sticking to the traditional reds, greens and golds, Christmas tree decorating is never complete without a tipple or two, as well as a generous spread of snacks and moreish treats. If you think we are plugging

It’s here! Let’s spread the

our Gingerbread Christmas Trees in this section, you are absolutely right! And, whilst we’re here, let us tell you that our Gingerbread Christmas Trees were created exactly for the reason that Christmas tree decorating is one of our favourite activities during the festive period; from the bauble shopping to the wrapping of tinsel; the minor family quarrels to the dancing; switching on the lights to placing the star at the top - what an incredibly magical moment!

Giving the gift of love

Okay, so, let’s get one thing straight, gifting during the festive season has got to be one of the most challenging elements of all. What do you give people when they have it all? What do you gift people who are simply downright difficult to buy for? What do you buy for those who have an eclectic taste? What about the newborn in the family who has no idea what Christmas is, but a present to signify his/her first Christmas plays a huge part when it comes to reminiscing about Christmas 2022. Christmas presents are always a challenge, even for those who are super organised with presents bought and wrapped months before the festivity begins.

For us at Hawkens Gingerbread, in a world filled with chaos, the gift of love is unrivalled. When was the last time you spent quality time with your family and friends, and we mean, time where you’ve had your phone on the ‘do not disturb’ setting; time where you’ve truly appreciated the time that you have with one another, without the distractions of work, commitments and matters that are quite frankly, less important than spending time with those that are closest to you? Christmas is a time to get together to enjoy the presence of one another; to live, to laugh and to love those around us, because there really is nothing like just being ‘there’ in those moments that make for the fondest of memories. So, to be present is without a doubt a present in itself. However, to those of you who are leaving gift purchasing to the last minute, good luck out there!

Long live the traditions

Traditions, oh how we love them!

Most families have their own traditions that are individual to their set-up; the beauty of having these traditions is that they bring families and loved ones closer together, whilst also creating memorable moments.

One of the greatest things about traditions is that they are passed down from generation to generation,

ensuring that traditions are never forgotten, nor lost. Christmas is the perfect time to practise these traditions that we hold so closely to our hearts.

Whether it’s visiting the annual carol service held by the local town hall; exploring the festive lights of a nearby stately home; getting together with family for Christmas Eve; playing games and perhaps pranks with the household; organising a Christmas do with friends - traditions during the festive season create a sense of togetherness and belonging.

One last thing

Whilst we all get together and enjoy the company around us and the relationships that we are lucky to maintain, there is one last thing that we think Christmas is all about. The act of reflection. Christmas is also about reflecting on the year that has been and whilst 2022 has provided some of us with joyous moments and milestones, for some, 2022 has proven to be challenging.

From dealing with mental health to the loss of loved ones; the days where we’ve been subjects of difficulty to the lack of motivation to keep going; there are some people out there who will find the festive period a complicated season.

Our final message is that, whilst we all spread love and joy, we should all take the time to think about those who are struggling this season and, although being kind is a given whatever the season, being kind during Christmas has the potential to provide a glimpse of hope and happiness for those who are less fortunate.

Satisfying gingerbread lovers for over 10 years

My wife & I bought a carton of grantham gingerbread biscuits from Tealby’s village shop and we had finished the carton before getting home in Skegness.

I had to learn more about these amazing biscuits in order to buy some more. Research took me to alastair a guy who is ablaze with genuine, authentic passion for his gingerbread products, which is shown in the quality he produces.

I have ordered 5 cartons, 3 for us and 2 to gift friends. We will be buying more from this company very soon, and ongoing.

Congratulations alastair and his team, lovely to know true, high quality & incredible customer service doesn’t have to come at an unreasonable price, it’s right here at Hawken’s, in Lincolnshire.

Malcolm

Purchased this bundle as a Christmas gift for my husband who loves gingerbread. Everything in this bundle tastes amazing and is of really high quality. There is a good variety of items and he really liked that there was a good mix of different levels of fieriness across the products.

Everything was delivered quickly and was well packaged to avoid breakages. Would highly recommend it!

Sarah Hawkens bakers dozen mixed gingerbread men are absolutely delicious. The best gingerbread ever! Make great gifts for adults and children alike. Remember to keep some for yourselves delicious with coffee any time of the day. I will certainly be buying more. They are delivered very quickly and are very well wrapped. All in all you cannot go wrong with hawkens gingerbread. Go ahead and buy some today, you won’t be disappointed

John

A caravan trip to Lincs was booked to end lockdown. So our son in Australia sent us a hamper of Lincs food goodies including a box of Grantham Gingerbread. Wow they are so scrummy with a mid morning coffee. The ginger is just right not over whelming the delicious biscuit. You can’t just eat one at a time! Note to self eat them before grandchildren visit cos they’ll soon disappear. Will be ordering gingerbread men for them!

Marilyn

My wife received these as an end of term gift. I am a fan of ginger in any form and I love gingerbread and gingerbread doesn’t get better than this! Crunchy turns to chewy with delightful pieces of peel and ginger adding an extra dimension. There is also a proper kick of ginger that is just lovely and warming. Easily the best I have had!

Jeff

Christmas

For the Gingerbread Men:

1350g/12oz plain flour, plus extra for rolling out

1 tsp bicarbonate of soda

2 tsp ground ginger

1 tsp ground cinnamon

125g/4½oz butter

175g/6oz light soft brown sugar

1 free-range egg

4 tbsp golden syrup

To decorate:

1 writing icing

Cake decorations

1. Sift together the flour, bicarbonate of soda, ginger and cinnamon and pour into the bowl of a food processor. Add the butter and blend until the mix looks like breadcrumbs. Stir in the sugar.

2. Lightly beat the egg and golden syrup together, add to the food processor and pulse until the mixture clumps together. Tip the dough out, knead briefly until smooth, wrap in clingfim and leave to chill in the fridge for 15 minutes.

3. Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas 4. Line two baking trays with greaseproof paper.

4. Roll the dough out to a 0.5cm/¼in thickness on a lightly floured surface. Using cutters, cut out the gingerbread men shapes and place on the baking tray, leaving a gap between them. For decorations, use a skewer to make a small hole in the top of each biscuit.

5. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden-brown. Leave on the tray for 10 minutes and then move to a wire rack to finish cooling. When cooled, decorate with the writing icing and cake decorations.

Drizzle with extra caramel sauce. Decorate with whole and crushed gingerbread men. Serve.

alastair@hawkensgingerbread.com

At

A Shoutout to Our Friends!

British Hamper Company

Born from sharing enthusiasm for great British food, the British Hamper Company are gifting providers across the globe, ensuring all tastes are catered for, whatever the occasion. The British Hamper Company are fabulous friends of ours, including our collection of gingerbread in a variety of their hampers. Check them out: https://www.hampers.co.uk/ producer/hawkens-grantham-gingerbread.html

Lincolnshire Co-op The Mouse House

Based in Lincolnshire with over 280,000 members and 215 outlets, Lincolnshire Co-op is independently run to provide the people of Lincolnshire with convenience across the breadth of the county. You can find our collection of gingerbread at most Lincolnshire Co-op stores. Find your local stockist: https://www.lincolnshire.coop/localproducers/grantham-gingerbread

Located in Lincoln, and daughter team Erika and Mollie, established The Mouse House in 2018 to showcase their mouthwatering collection of contemporary and traditional cheeses, produced at their family’s farm. The Mouse House includes our collection of gingerbread in their artisan hampers. Check them out: https://www.mousehousecheese. co.uk/browse/gifts-and-hampers/wicker-hampers/

Teaspoon Tea Company

A destination for all things tea and gifts, Lance and Pamela, owners of Teaspoon Tea Company provide tea lovers with the best selection of teas to choose from, alongside foods to complement. Their shop and cafe, located in Grantham, is one to visit! You can shop our collection of gingerbread via their online store: https://www.teaspoon-tea.co.uk/collections/local-larder

Thank you,

2022 is soon to be over, who knew?

I say this every year, but what a yearit has been! We have in the same year celebrated Queen Elizabeth II’sPlatinum Jubilee and commiserated her death.

We have watched the invasion of Ukraine whilst innocent lives are put at risk.We have experienced three Prime Ministers. We are experiencing a cost ofliving and energy crisis like most have never seen before…

Whilst there have been plenty of challenges the nation and the world haveexperienced, I am going to finish the year on a positive note, by firstly saying…

Thank you.

Thank you to all of our Hawkens Gingerbread fans and customers who wehave had the pleasure of serving. We understand that times have beenchallenging during post-pandemic times and we are aware that buying habitshave changed due to financial uncertainty. We are forever grateful for yourcontinued support, especially during these difficult times.

Your continued support and faith in Hawkens Gingerbread has allowed us toinvest in expanding our bakery’s facilities, as well as workforce, ensuring thatyour gingerbread and gingernuts are always created with tender, loving andcare. With your loyal custom and feedback, we have also been able to extendour collection to offer additional delicious biscuits for you and your loved onesto enjoy; if you haven’t added the Jinglebreads and Gingerbread Mini Men toyour basket, I advise that you do!

Yes, 2022 has been quite the mind boggle, but this hasn’t stopped us fromcontinuously delivering exceptional artisan gingerbread to your doors and itwon’t stop us in 2023 either…

Merry Christmas to you all - sending lots of love, kisses and hugs from ours toyours.

Alastair x

Hawkens Gingerbread, we work with a range of stockists to provide their customers with true, artisan gingerbread biscuits to devour. Here’s just a few of the companies we have collaborated with.

Jingle