As the holiday season approaches with a chill in the air many people looking for festive indoor activities might enjoy making gingerbread houses. Whether someone is making a gingerbread house for the first time, or making them year after year, here are some helpful tips to perfect them.
When looking for a cheap option for a gingerbread house kit many turn to Target, Walmart, Five Below, or even Amazon. Depending on the size and difficulty level of the kit, prices can range anywhere from five to forty dollars.
After unboxing the kit, start by laying out all of the pieces. This will ensure that nothing will get misplaced or left behind. Pro Tip: Lay out a placemat, newspaper, or paper towel under the materials for a mess free clean up.
While each piece of gingerbread is lying flat, apply a line of icing along each edge. Kneading the icing before will allow for a smoother application onto the gingerbread.
Before the icing dries, quickly press together the gingerbread pieces and hold for thirty seconds. Although this step can be done alone, it is common for people to use the help of a friend or family member to prevent the house’s base from falling apart.
Pro Tip: For a stronger icing alternative, tasteofhome.com suggests melting granulated sugar in a pan over low heat and applying directly to the gingerbread.
After assembling the base of the house it is time to decorate. Many kits come with various candies and colored icings that are commonly used as decoration on the outside of the house. For more decorations, some people buy extra candies they enjoy to be displayed on the house in addition to what is already provided.
Along with the candies, a great way to spice up the outside of the house is using the leftover plain or colored icing from assembly. With the leftover icing, applying small drips in a downward motion along the edge of the roof will create icicles. Not only can the white icing be used as icicles, but also snow around the house and on the rooftop.
Smaller details can be achieved through using the colored icing. Some more common ideas include creating wreaths, lights, and windows. Pro Tip: If in need of more icing, mix powder sugar and water until a paste is formed and apply food dye for desired color.
Senior Ava Jaquez-Munroe says, “My favorite part about making a gingerbread house is how it can be a family or group activity regardless of if it turns out bad or not because it can still be fun with the people you do it with.”
Although there are countless tips that can be used to help make a spectacular gingerbread house, it is important to remember that allowing for creativity to be displayed on the house will truly make it look incredible regardless.
