Gingerbread

Crusaders returning from the Middle East were the first to introduce Europe to gingerbread. European monks are generally credited for the proliferation and popularity of gingerbread, and often baked the muchloved spiced cookies during festivals and holy days. The name gingerbread is not actually derived from any etymological correlation to the word bread. These cookies are named for the preserved ginger that forms the underlying flavor that defines them. The Latin word for gin