Michelle Darmody: How to bake gingerbread and the six secrets to making it perfectly

The sweet, spiciness of gingerbread baking in the oven fills the house and the heart with the anticipation of things to come

Christmas Gingerbread Cookies on table.

There are certain smells that evoke Christmas; pine needles from the tree, the earthiness of holly branches tucked into the mantel above the fire, the deep richness of fruit soaking for the cake, and of course the sweet, spiciness of gingerbread baking in the oven. It fills the house and the heart with the anticipation of things to come.

Powdered ginger is the perfect warming, winter ingredient, it adds spice to this recipe, and is supplemented with the mixed cake spice, which includes cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.