Extra Gingery Gingerbread

Who'd of thought that classic, delicious gingerbread could actually be made into a healthy, and hearty dessert? Yes, its true that as with all baked goods, this should be eaten in moderation but if you slip up, don't worry! The health benefits of ginger and all the other spices in this recipe are through the roof. Try this super gingery version of the classic for breakfast, snack or dessert!

Extra Gingery Gingerbread

1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground ginger
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 cup dark brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup vegetable oil (or 1/4 vegetable oil & 1/4 cup applesauce)
3/4 cup blackstrap molasses
1 egg
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
2 tbs fresh grated ginger
1/4 cup crystallized ginger, chopped into small pieces
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup boiling water

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350F and grease a nonstick 8.5x 4.5x 2.5 in loaf pan. 
2. Mix together all dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Add in the crystallized ginger and raisins and stir into flour mixture.
3. Add in the oil, molasses, sugar, egg, fresh grated ginger and vanilla extract. Mix until well incorporated into the dry ingredients. 
4. Add 1/2 cup boiling water directly into the batter and stir until completely incorporated. 
5. Pour into prepared loaf pan, and bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean, and let sit til cool before digging in.

Health Benefits!!
Ginger- relieves nausea and indigestion, prevents motion sickness, may help morning sickness, antispasmotic  properties help relieve cramps, useful in helping arthritis, can reduce cholesterol levels in blood, and it is an aphrodisiac ;-)
Cloves- warming and stimulating effect of the body, can relieve nausea and vomiting, fights against oral diseases, boosts immune system, has antimicrobial properties, and is -also- an aphrodisiac
Cinnamon- lowers blood sugar levels, increases insulin production helping prevent type 2 diabetes, has an anti-clotting effect on the blood, smelling cinnamon alone improves cognitive functioning, fights E.Coli bacteria, has been shown to alleviate headache  
Blackstrap Molasses- Yes, a sweetener that is GOOD for you! Unrefined and delicious, blackstrap molasses is a great source of iron (2 tsp provides you with a wopping 13% of your daily intake), it is also high in calcium (2 tsp will provide you with almost 12% of your daily intake). Also a good source of copper and manganese. 

Sources:
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?dbid=118&tname=foodspice
http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/ 
http://www.organicauthority.com/health/11-health-benefits-of-cinnamon.html
The A to Z Guide to Healing Herbal Remedies, Jason Elias and Selagh Ryan Masline