Gingerbread House

Delve into the enchanting world of festive baking with the “Gingerbread House.” This delightful culinary project takes the beloved gingerbread concept to new heights, transforming it into a show-stopping centerpiece that’s as impressive as it is delicious. With intricate decorations and a touch of whimsy, this Gingerbread House is an embodiment of holiday cheer and a testament to the joy of creation.

Prep Time: 2 hours (plus 1 hour chilling and setting time)

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Servings: 10-12

Difficulty: Easy

INGREDIENTS:

GINGERBREAD:

• 1 x quantity of Basic Gingerbread, made to end of Step 2

ROYAL ICING:

• 4 egg whites
• 8 cups pure icing sugar, sifted

DECORATIONS:

• Red candy-covered chocolates
• 2 red sour straps
• 6 pretzels
• 1 red edible decorating star
• 2 candy canes
• 6 Strawberry-flavoured liquorice twists
• Desiccated coconut, to decorate board
• Icing sugar, to dust

TEMPLATES:

Download paper templates for gingerbread house and cut out each piece:

• Two 13 cm x 18 cm rectangles for the roof
• Two 10 cm x 15 cm rectangles for the side walls
• Two 10 cm x 18 cm rectangles for the front and back walls
• Trim corners of front and back walls to make two 10 cm gables
• Cut the door shape.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 180°C / 160°C fan-forced.
2. Roll out chilled gingerbread dough, in several batches, between sheets of baking paper until 5mm thick. Use templates to cut shapes from dough. Carefully transfer shapes to baking paper lined baking trays. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Stand on trays for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool.
3. Meanwhile, make royal icing. Beat egg whites until foamy, then gradually beat in icing sugar until piping consistency.
4. Spoon some icing into a piping bag fitted with a small star-shaped nozzle. Pipe a lattice pattern onto the roof pieces. Decorate with the red candy-covered chocolates. Allow to set.
5. To make the pretzel stain-glass windows, cut out pieces of the red sour straps to fit the pretzel shape. Assemble and attach one each of these using royal icing onto the front and back walls and two each onto the side walls. Allow to set.
6. Using royal icing, attach the door onto the front wall beneath the pretzel window. Add the edible red heart, securing with a dab of royal icing. Pipe a little royal icing over the top of the door to resemble fallen snow.
7. Once the individual pieces have dried, it’s time to put it all together. Assemble the house on a wooden board, securing roof and walls together with the royal icing. Use royal icing to attach the candy cane and the liquorice twists on either side of the front of the house.
8. Finish decorating the eaves with royal icing to look like fallen snow. Dust the board around the house with desiccated coconut and the entire house with icing sugar.

TIPS:

• Patience and Planning: The Gingerbread House is a creative endeavor that requires both patience and meticulous planning. Set aside ample time for preparation, baking, decorating, and setting.
• Templates and Precision: Begin by downloading and cutting out the provided paper templates for each component of the house. Precision in cutting will ensure that your house pieces fit together seamlessly.
• Chilled Dough for Success: When rolling out the gingerbread dough, work in batches and roll it between sheets of baking paper. Chilling the dough before rolling helps maintain its shape and eases cutting.
• Stunning Royal Icing: Master the art of royal icing – beat egg whites and gradually add sifted icing sugar until a piping-consistency mixture is achieved. This icing serves as both adhesive and decorative element.
• Decorative Details: Pay attention to the decorative elements. Use a small star-shaped nozzle to pipe intricate lattice patterns on the roof. Adorn with vibrant red candy-covered chocolates for an inviting appearance.
• Pretzel Stained Glass: The pretzel windows, created using red sour straps, lend a stained-glass effect. Attach them with royal icing for a stunning visual effect.
• Assembly and Structure: Assemble the house components on a wooden board, securing them with royal icing. Utilize the icing to hold the candy cane and liquorice twists on the sides, adding to the charm.
• Finish with Flourish: Complete the look by dusting the house and surrounding board with desiccated coconut and a light sprinkle of icing sugar, evoking a winter wonderland.
• Advance Preparation: The assembled Gingerbread House can be prepared up to five days in advance. Store it in a cool, dry place, ensuring it’s well-covered to retain its appeal.

As you embark on this creative journey, remember that the Gingerbread House is more than a confectionery masterpiece – it’s a reflection of joy, celebration, and the art of culinary craftsmanship. Enjoy the process, and delight in the wonder that your Gingerbread House brings to the festive season.