Crystallized Ginger Gingerbread

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1/2-2/3 cup minced crystallized ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, soft (but not melted)
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 2 eggs, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup plain nonfat yogurt (or buttermilk)

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F Line a 9 x 4 inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, combine the dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, crystallized ginger, ground ginger, cinnamon, allspice and nutmeg).
3. In another bowl, beat butter and granulated sugar until fluffy, then stir in molasses. Add eggs one at a time, beating continuously.
4. Stir the flour mixture into the butter mixture in 3 additions, alternating with the yogurt/buttermilk and beginning and ending with the flour; mix until smooth.
5. Pour the batter into the pan and spread until even and sprinkle with raw sugar.
6. Bake 50 minutes or just until the gingerbread is golden and springy to the touch, and a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Let the loaf stand for a few minutes, then turn the loaf out and carefully peel off the parchment paper. Serve warm, or later!