Chewy, Gooey Ginger Molasses Cookies

Without a doubt, we make a lot of molasses cookies in my house. Gingersnaps, Long Johns, Gingerbread, we love it all! Molasses and ginger inspires smokiness, spiciness, sweetness and some serious Christmas nostalgia! As soon as these go in the oven and the amazing smell wafts out, I instantly feel like going sledding, singing carols and decorating a tree. Though the flavours are very wintery, I bake these beauties year-round and trust me, they're still just as tasty!

Makes 50 cookies (I usually freeze half for later)
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 4 tsp ground ginger
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground cloves
- 1 tsp ground cardamom (optional)
- 2 tsp baking powder
- pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup molasses (Fancy grade for a sweeter cookie, Cooking grade for a more robust flavour)
- 4 cups flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar or demerara sugar, in a small bowl/dish

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. Cream together butter and both sugars in a large mixing bowl.

3. Crack in eggs and beat until well incorporated.

4. Mix in all spices, baking powder and salt. Stir in the molasses.

5.  Gradually, stir in the flour until it's all incorporated.

6. Shape large spoonfuls of dough into 1 1/2 inch balls. Roll balls in the dish of sugar to coat the outside.

7. Place balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10-12 minutes. DO NOT OVERBAKE, otherwise cookies will not be chewy, nor gooey and I'll be very disappointed in you!

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Alba Botanica Aloe & Green Tea Moisturizer Review

Source:iHerb

After diving into the world of natural skin care, I was pleased to find such amazing products that were vegan, organic, cruelty-free, et cetera, and yet were still effective. However, when the search for a good moisturizer began, the results were not as promising. I have combination skin that normally leans to the oily side, but dries out very quickly. It can be tricky to find a moisturizer that balances my skin's dual sides. I found many of the products I tried to be too heavy and oily, causing some serious shine all over and awful breakouts. Other products were way too light and were completely sucked into my skin within minutes, leaving it still parched. Then I happened across this little lovely.

    I initially came across this product thanks to my roommate, who had been using it for years. Standing, frustrated, in the natural living aisle at the store, I scanned through the various tubes and tubs that have already disappointed me. My eyes fell upon the Alba Botanica section and, remembering seeing it around the apartment and my rommate's gorgeous, glowing face, I bought it on a whim. I am so glad I did! 

The cream is white, semi-translucent and has a light flowery smell (there is a very small amount of fragrance listed in the ingredients). The texture is very light and more of a lotion feel, which is why I was very surprised by the high moisture this product was able to douse my face with. The aloe and antioxidants pack a surprising punch and my skin is left soft and dewy, without being greasy. What's more, is that after a few days, I found that my skin was smoother, less red, and my makeup went on so much nicer. A little bit is all you need. I use it morning and night. Sadly, it does not have SPF, but, to be honest, my face is quite sensitive to SPF and it is best when I can use my favourite sunscreen separately on top of a moisturizer.

The jar has 3oz. which lasts a surprisingly long time, and I was able to get it for $15. Alba Botanica's philosophy includes using natural, non-GMO, 100% vegetarian ingredients. They are Leaping Bunny approved 100% cruelty-free.   

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