Step 1

In a medium sized bowl mix the yeast, ginger, sugar, and warm water.

Step 2

Set aside for 5 minutes or until foamy.

Step 3

Whisk the buttermilk, vanilla, 1/2 cup sugar, salt, and baking soda together and add it to the yeast mixture.

Step 4

Add three cups of flour and mix until smooth, about 3 to 5 minutes on low of a stand mixer.

Step 5

Pour in the lukewarm butter until it is totally mixed into the batter.

Step 6

Add the rest of the flour, one cup at a time, keeping mixer on low speed.

Step 7

When dough pulls from the sides of the bowl remove it from the mixer to a lightly floured surface. Knead until elastic and smooth.

Step 8

You can also knead in your mixer according to manufacturer's directions.

Step 9

Place in greased bowl, turn to grease the top, and cover with a clean tea towel.

Step 10

Allow the dough to rise for 1 1/2 hours, or until double.

Step 11

Punch down.

Step 12

Divide into two equal sized balls.

Step 13

Roll each out into a 8-inch wide rectangle about 10 inches long.

Step 14

Brush each with the 1/4 cup melted butter.

Step 15

Mix the 1/2 cup sugar and the cinnamon together until evenly colored.

Step 16

Spread over the dough rectangles, reserving about 2 tablespoons of the mixture.

Step 17

Roll each loaf tightly and place into greased loaf pans.

Step 18

Use a pastry brush to coat the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with the reserved cinnamon mixture.

Step 19

Cover loosely with a clean tea towel and allow to rise for 45 minutes, or until it is just about the tops of the bread pans.

Step 20

Preheat oven to 400F.

Step 21

Bake for 30 minutes. You can cover the tops with foil if they brown too fast.

Step 22

Remove loaves from oven.

Step 23

Allow to cool in pans for 10 minutes.

Step 24

Gently run a knife around the edge between the bread and the pan to loosen it.

Step 25

Turn out and top with the glaze.

Step 26

Cool completely on a rack.

Step 27

Cover the loaves as they cool if you want soft crusts.

Step 28

Mix the confectioners sugar, melted butter and vanilla until smooth.

Step 29

Add a little cream or milk to thin it if needed.