When the mixture is light and fluffy, add the flour until just combined. Mix in the vanilla extract and candied ginger.

Roll out the dough between two sheets of wax paper until 1/4-inch thick, and freeze for 15 minutes.

Peel off the top layer of wax paper and cut shapes with cookie cutters or an inverted glass. Place each cookie two inches apart on the baking sheet. If necessary, gently gather and re-roll the dough scraps and cut out more cookies.

Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until pale golden. Cool on wire racks.

3. Ginger-buttermilk panna cotta

1 cup heavy cream

2 cups buttermilk

1/2 cup sugar

1 vanilla bean

Peeled and sliced piece of ginger root

Pinch salt

1 envelope of unflavored powdered gelatin (about 2 1/2 teaspoons)

6 small ramekins (4 oz each) or serving glasses

Non-stick cooking spray

Bring 1 cup heavy cream to a boil with 1/2 cup sugar, 1 split and scraped vanilla bean, the fresh ginger slices and a pinch of salt. Cover, turn off the heat, and let steep for 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, sprinkle powdered gelatin over 1/4 cup buttermilk. Do not stir. Let bloom for 5 minutes, and then stir thoroughly into the hot cream mixture.

Strain the cream mixture through a fine sieve into a bowl, discarding the ginger and vanilla bean. Add the remaining 1 3/4 cups of buttermilk and stir gently.

Spray the inside of 6 ramekins with the non-stick spray. Divide mixture into ramekins or unsprayed serving glasses. When cool, cover with plastic wrap and transfer to refrigerator.

Let the ramekins set for 8 hours or overnight, and carefully unmold onto dessert plates. Alternatively, chill the serving glasses for at least 3 hours and serve in glasses.

Garnish with a sliver of candied ginger and fresh mint.

4. Ginger Syrup

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup water

1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh ginger root (washed, unpeeled)

Place all the ingredients in a pot, bring to a boil, cover and lower heat to maintain a gentle simmer for 1 hour.