I've been Pinterest-ing Gingerbread Houses a lot the last couple days. I've always done kits in the past (only a few imploded--- oh dear.) This year... I'm going to try and make my own. I've collected a bunch of different styles...
(See them on Pinterest: HERE)
Aren't they gorgeous? I'm hoping to make two this year-- one with my boyfriend, the other with my Mum for her 'Holiday Soiree'. I'm planning on using Graham Crackers for the basis of the first one, then if I'm feeling ambitious-- I might bake up some real gingerbread.
My plan: A Tudor style with pretzels (like Martha Stewart's) but much bigger than a cottage. I'm planning on making tinted icing, green icing garland, swirly mints, and silver balls for a bit of sparkle.
Here's my ingredient list for Royal Icing, Caramel glue (to hold it together)and other supplies.
Royal Icing:
Yield Makes 2 1/3 cups
Ingredients
1 box confectioners' sugar (1 pound)
5 tablespoons meringue powder or 2 large egg whites
Directions
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine sugar and meringue powder. Mixing on low speed, add a scant 1/2 cup water. For a thinner consistency, usually used for flooding, add more water. A thicker consistency is generally used for outlining and adding details. Mix until icing holds a ribbonlike trail on the surface of the mixture for 5 seconds when you raise the paddle.
Caramel Syrup
for attaching walls (better than icing!)
Ingredients
- 1 1/3 cups sugar
- 3/4 cup water
Directions
Bring sugar and the water to a boil in a medium saucepan; reduce heat, and simmer until thickened and light brown, about 10 minutes. Use immediately.
Other Ingredients
- Pretzel Sticks
- Graham Crackers
- Chocolate Graham Crackers (roof?)
- Some type of shingles--- m&ms? Flat candies layered? chocolate chips?
- Food colouring for stucco?
- Swirly peppermints
- Mini ice cream cones (trees)
- Mini Candy Cane
- Coconut snow
- Green and red icing
- Silver beads
- Sprinkles
Stay tuned for the next blog post... the finished product! Wish us luck!
