Reindeer Gingerbread Cookies
One of my new neighbors sent me a photo of reindeer cookies she found on Pinterest, using an upside down gingerbread man cookie. So of course, I had to try it out. I looked through a lot of images online and came up with a design that was a combination of several cookies I saw. Baking the cookies was the easy part, it’s the decorating that took forever because I am detail oriented and wanted things just right. I like how they came out and my daughter told me they were cute. It worth the effort.
I did not have a go-to recipe for cut out gingerbread men cookies, so I use Brown Eyed Baker’s recipe. It made 30 cookies. I even used the same plastic cookie cutter from the Wilton 101 Cookie Cutter set. But you can use the Betty Crocker Gingerbread Cookie mix. I have used it before and it is very good.
For the outline I used the Wilton Gingerbread Candy Melt I had leftover from my Eggnog Cheesecake Truffles and also some Dark Cocoa candy melt. If you add a little vegetable shortening to the melted candy it is easier to use in a piping bag. I did use a #3 tip to do the piping, but if you cut a small enough hole in the piping bag you won’t need a tip. I used a toothpick dipped in candy melt to do the eyebrows.
Wilton has so many fun products like these candy eyes. I found them at Walmart, but I have also seen them in craft stores. They just makes this project easier.
For the noses, I ended up using red and brown Gingerbread M&Ms because they were larger and made for a funnier nose, but you can use regular M&Ms also.
To decorate the antlers with “ornaments” I used holiday sequin sprinkles. And for the “mistletoe” I used green maple leaves from my autumn sprinkle mix. I used Betty Crocker Cookie Icing in white as my glue for the sprinkles, M&Ms, and eyes. Toothpicks were also handy here to place the little sprinkles.
I also used the cookie icing to add “snow” to the antlers. After the icing dried I brush on some Wilton Silver Pearl Dust to make the “snow” shimmer.
I made a few slight variations on some of the cookies, like switching the dark cocoa candy melt for the gingerbread candy melt, using red maple leaves instead of the green ones, and changing the shapes of the mouths. You can make them any way you want. It’s about having fun!
Reindeer Gingerbread Cookies
by The Sweet Chick
Prep Time: 1 hour
Keywords: dessert snack gingerbread candy melt gingerbread m dark chocolate cookie icing Christmas cookie American winter
Ingredients (30 cookies)
- 30 gingerbread men cookies
- 1 cup Wilton’s dark cocoa candy melt wafers
- 1 cup Wilton’s gingerbread candy melt wafers
- 30 red or brown Gingerbread M&Ms (or regular m&ms)
- 1 package (7 oz.) Betty Crocker Cookie Icing in white
- 60 Wilton’s candy eyeballs
- 60 green candy leaves
- 1 container (1.3 oz.) Cake Mate Sequins holiday mix
Tools needed
- 2 Wilton’s Candy decorating bags
- several toothpicks
Optional
- Wilton tip #3
- Wilton’s Silver Pearl dust
Instructions
Place gingerbread men upside down (heads facing down) on wax paper or parchment paper.
Starting with one color at a time, melt candy melt as per instructions on the back of the package. Then place in candy decorating bag and snip off the tip.
Begin outlining the face and ears of the reindeer. If you are using the light brown candy melt for this, then prepare another decorating bag with the dark brown candy melt and add your antler design, inner ears, and mouth. Use a toothpick dipped in the dark brown candy melt to add the eyebrows.
If you used dark brown as your face outline use the light brown to add the antlers and inner ear. Then let candy melt harden.
Once candy melt has harden, dab a little cookie icing on the back of the M&Ms and place them on the cookie, above the mouth.
Next, dab some cookie icing on the candy eyes and add them to the face above the M&M noses.
Dab the backs of the green leaves with cookie icing and add them at the top of the reindeer head, between the antlers. Then dab a red sequin and add in to the center of the greens leaves to make the mistletoe.
Using cookie icing again as your glue, add different colored sequins to the antlers to look like ornaments. Use a toothpick to help you place them neatly.
Finally, dab some cookie icing on the antlers and the top of the head for some snow effect.
If you have Pearl Dust, brush some on the “snow” for some extra shimmer and a little bit on the M&M nose.
Let everything dry before moving the cookies to an airtight container.
note
If you do use a metal cake decorating tip for the piping, you have to work fast because the candy melt may harden in the tip and you won’t be able to place the bag with the tip in the microwave to re-melt it.
Are Black Olives Acidic? Black Olives and Acid Reflux
When dealing with acid reflux, choosing the right foods can be critical. Black olives, commonly used in Mediterranean dishes and salads, often raise questions about their compatibility with an acid reflux-friendly diet. Are black olives acidic? Let’s dive into the facts and explore whether they are suitable for individuals managing acid reflux.
Are Black Olives Acidic or Alkaline?
Black olives are mildly acidic, with a pH ranging from 3.6 to 4.6, depending on how they are processed and preserved. Despite their acidity, they are generally considered safe for consumption in moderate amounts for most individuals, including those with acid reflux.
The preservation process, which often involves soaking olives in brine or vinegar, contributes to their acidity. However, once digested, black olives are thought to have a neutral to slightly alkaline effect on the body due to their rich mineral content, including magnesium and potassium.
Related to Read: Are Green Olives Acidic?
Acidic vs. Alkaline Foods and Acid Reflux
Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing discomfort and irritation. Choosing foods with alkaline properties can help neutralize excess stomach acid and soothe reflux symptoms. While black olives are not strongly alkaline, their nutritional profile provides several benefits for digestive health.
Author Tip: 7 Kinds of Foods to Avoid with GERD
Black Olives and Acid Reflux: Benefits
1. Rich in Healthy Fats
Black olives are a source of monounsaturated fats, which promote overall gut health. Unlike high-fat processed foods, these healthy fats do not typically trigger acid reflux when consumed in moderation.
2. High in Antioxidants
Black olives contain antioxidants like vitamin E and polyphenols. These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties that can protect the esophagus from irritation caused by acid reflux.
3. Good Source of Minerals
Minerals like magnesium and potassium in black olives help regulate stomach acid production, reducing the risk of reflux episodes.
4. Low in Calories
With approximately 35 calories per 10 olives, black olives are a low-calorie snack that won’t overload the stomach—a common trigger for acid reflux.
Potential Concerns with Black Olives
1. Sodium Content
Many black olives are cured or preserved in brine, which significantly increases their sodium content. High sodium intake can lead to water retention, bloating, and an increased risk of acid reflux. Opt for low-sodium or rinsed olives to reduce this risk.
2. Portion Control
Overeating black olives, like any food, can overload the stomach and increase the chances of acid reflux. Stick to moderate portions.
3. Processing Ingredients
Check for added ingredients like vinegar or spices, which can heighten acidity and potentially aggravate reflux symptoms.
How to Include Black Olives in an Acid Reflux-Friendly Diet?
- Choose Low-Sodium Options
Look for black olives labeled “low-sodium” or rinse regular olives to remove excess salt. - Pair with Alkaline Foods
Combine black olives with alkaline foods like leafy greens, cucumbers, or quinoa for a balanced meal. - Limit Processed Dishes
Avoid black olives in heavily processed dishes like pizza or nachos, as these may include high-fat and acidic ingredients that trigger reflux. - Monitor Your Reaction
Everyone’s body reacts differently. Start with small portions and observe how your body responds before making olives a regular part of your diet.
Author Tip: 7-Day Meal Plan For Gastritis
Black Olive Recipes for Acid Reflux
1. Mediterranean Black Olive Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh spinach or arugula
- 10 sliced black olives (low sodium)
- 1/2 cup diced cucumbers
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- A pinch of salt and oregano
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Toss with olive oil for a refreshing, reflux-friendly salad.
2. Black Olive Hummus
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup black olives (rinsed)
- 1 cup cooked chickpeas
- 2 tbsp tahini
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove (optional, depending on tolerance)
Instructions:
Blend all ingredients in a food processor until smooth. Serve with cucumber slices or whole-grain crackers
Scientific Evidence Supporting Black Olives and Acid Reflux
- Monounsaturated Fats and Digestion: Studies in the Journal of Gastrointestinal Health highlight that monounsaturated fats, such as those in black olives, improve digestion without exacerbating reflux.
- Anti-Inflammatory Benefits: Research in Nutrients (2021) emphasizes the role of polyphenols in reducing esophageal inflammation caused by reflux.
- Mineral Support: A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2019) links magnesium and potassium intake to improved stomach acid regulation.
Final Thoughts
So, are black olives acidic? Yes, but only mildly. Their nutritional benefits, including healthy fats, antioxidants, and essential minerals, make them a potentially reflux-friendly food when consumed in moderation. By choosing low-sodium options and pairing them with alkaline foods, you can enjoy the rich flavor of black olives without aggravating acid reflux symptoms.
If you have specific dietary concerns, consult a healthcare professional or dietitian for personalized guidance. With mindful eating, black olives can be a flavorful and healthy addition to your diet.