Recently, I was introduced to the world of gingerbread house-making when I took a 6-hour-long workshop on how to construct one. Although that sounds like a long time, the class was so much fun that the time just whizzed by! My creation is shown here.
One of the things that impressed me about this activity is that there are so many features that you can include in your display and seemingly endless options in edible materials to produce the effects. For example, pretzels for fencing and doors, cereal for roofing shingles, peppermint candies for stepping-stones. . . . Just peruse grocery stores, candy stores, gourmet shops, baking shops, etc., for supplies. Anything goes, as long as it is edible.
Have you made gingerbread houses before? What treats and techniques do you like to use? Share your thoughts below!
For those of you who have never made a gingerbread house, the article Gingerbread House Tips [3] may be helpful.
Also, for inspiration check out the National Gingerbread House Competition [4] at The Grove Park Inn in Asheville, North Carolina. This is an annual event where, as you'll see in the photos, the artists let their imaginations run wild!
Heidi Stonehill, our Senior Editor, joined the team in 2001. She enjoys the natural sciences, gardening, music, art, poetry, and animals—especially her fuzzy feline, Tig.
- Blogs [6]