Ginger crunch facts for kids
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| Alternative names | Ginger slice, Ginger square |
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| Type | Biscuit |
| Course | Dessert |
| Associated national cuisine | New Zealand |
| Main ingredients | Shortbread, Ginger |
Ginger crunch, also known as ginger slice or ginger square, is a yummy New Zealand treat! It's a type of biscuit (like a cookie) that has a crunchy base made from shortbread and is topped with a sweet, spicy ginger icing.
Contents
What is Ginger Crunch?
Ginger crunch is a popular dessert or snack in New Zealand. It's made in a baking tray and then cut into small squares or rectangles. The base is usually a shortbread mixture, which is a type of biscuit made with lots of butter. This gives it a rich, crumbly texture.
The Ginger Topping
The top layer is what gives ginger crunch its name! It's a sweet icing that tastes strongly of ginger. This icing is often made with butter, icing sugar, and ginger powder. Sometimes, a little golden syrup is added to make it extra sticky and shiny.
How it's Made
First, the shortbread base is mixed and pressed into a baking tray. It's then baked until it's golden brown and firm. While the base cools, the ginger icing is prepared. Once the base is cool, the warm ginger icing is spread evenly over the top. As the icing cools, it sets into a firm, slightly chewy layer. After it's completely cool, the whole slab is cut into individual pieces.
Fun Variations to Try
While the classic ginger crunch is delicious, there are many ways to change it up! People often add different ingredients to make it unique.
Base Variations
The shortbread base can be made even more interesting. Some recipes include rolled oats for extra chewiness. Others might add coconut for a tropical flavour. Sometimes, the shortbread is swapped for a different kind of biscuit base entirely.
Icing Additions
The ginger icing can also have extra bits added to it. Small pieces of nuts can give it a nice crunch. For an even stronger ginger taste, some people add tiny pieces of crystallised ginger. This makes the topping extra spicy and chewy.
