Gingerbread House

Do you dream of creating your own whimsical gingerbread house, just like the ones that originated in Germany during the 16th century? Well, you've come to the right place! In this video, I will take you on a mouthwatering journey as we explore the art and tradition of gingerbread houses. Gingerbread houses, with their cookie-walled structures and intricately decorated facades, have become synonymous with Christmas tradition. But did you know that their popularity skyrocketed after the Brothers Grimm immortalized them in their classic fairytale, Hansel and Gretel? From the moment you press play, you'll be transported to a world where gingerbread dreams come true. But what exactly makes a gingerbread house so special? It's all in the details. Imagine delicate snow-white icing piped along the roofline, whimsical Christmas trees, sugar-coated windows made with gelatin sheet that glisten in the winter light. And let's not forget about the charming little wood-fired oven in the corner. But hold on, my fellow kitchen adventurers! I'm not going to reveal all the secrets just yet. If you're curious to learn the techniques and tips required to construct your very own gingerbread house, then join me on this culinary escapade. Remember, this isn't just about building a house—it's about creating memories, bonding with loved ones, and cherishing the holiday spirit. So gather your family and friends, and together, let's embark on this delectable journey.

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Xmas Magic

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Mock-Up

To make your gingerbread house, get your inspiration from toy houses, fairy tale books and online work. Before you start, a mock-up made out of carton board is advised. Each piece will be then used as a kit to further the construction of your gingerbread house.
Example: Tower 1 / Tour 1 Pentagon: make five X1.5''x9”/4x23cm. Carve narrow windows. Roof 1 / Toit de la Tour 1 Rectangle: make four 4.5''x2.1/4”/11.5x6cm. Cut each into 3 triangles. Tower 2 / Tour 2 Pentagon: make five 2.25''x6”/6x15cm. Carve windows in. Roof tower 2 / Toit de la Tour 2 Rectangle: make four 2.5x5”(6x13cm). Cut each into 3 triangles. Main Home / Maison Principale Front and back walls: make two 3.75''X4.5”/9.5x11.5cm. Carve entrance doors and a large window in back wall. Left and right side walls: make two 4.5''x6.5”/11.5x16.5cm. Make appropriate cuts for the roof to fit. Carve windows in. Home roof: make two 4.5''X4.5”/11.5X11.5cm. Chimney Make three 2.75x1.2”/7X3cm cuts and one 2''X1.2”/2.5x3cm cuts. Top: make one 1.5''x1.5''/4X4cm. Cut and carve. Wood-Fired Oven / Four Extérieur Hood: make two 1''X4.25”/2.5X11.5cm and two 0.5''X4.25”/1.25x11.5cm. Oven: make one 3''X2”/7.5x5cm. Carve the entrance. Use scraps for top, bottom sides, touch up, and logs. Use gold leaf to mimic flames coming out of the logs if desired.

Gingerbread Cookie

If using a food processor, make 2 batches. First, mix flour, baking powder, sugar, salt and allspice. Mix in butter and add honey, molasse and eggs. Mix until just combined. Wrap up and chill. Divide pastry into 3 pieces. On a floured work surface, roll out each into a 0.12-inch/3 mm thick sheet, no need to prick dough with a fork. Use leftover dough to make a couple of small donuts for the Christmas trees' feet. Freeze dough until ready to bake.

Baking

Sandwich cookie sheet between 2 lightly greased parchment or baking mat and baking tray. Pre-bake at 350ºF/180ºC oven for 12 min. Carefully, slide pastry over the counter and cut into desired shapes. Make extra cuts for backups and Christmas tree. Put cookie back in the oven for about 14 mins to finish cooking; uncovered. Let cool cookies and flip (the cleanest side should end up being the outside of your edible house. Use sandpaper to smooth cookies.

Royal Icing / Glace Royal

Royal icing is made from softly beaten egg whites, powdered sugar, and lemon juice. It is used to decorate Christmas cakes, wedding cakes, gingerbread houses, cookies and many other cakes and biscuits. Royal icing can be made days in advance. Rework royal icing prior to use. Use Christmas theme stencils for fin detailed effects. Stencils can be found online and arts supplies stores. For other decors and glueing purpose, use cone made out of parchment paper or use a small pastry bag fitted with desired icing tip set.Beat egg white with sifted powdered sugar until sharp peaks form (called bird’s beak/bec d’oiseau). Add lemon juice and beat for a few more seconds. Keep royal icing in a separate container, and cover with a wet towel or plastic wrap to prevent from drying out.
To get the finest effect, use stencils. Place stencil over the baked cookie and spread royal icing into a thin layer; scrape out any excess using an offset spatula. Carefully remove the stencil and let it dry out. Rinse stencil under water between each use.
Do likewise with all remaining cookies. To mimic windows, use gelatin sheets and glue it with dots of royal icing.

Montage

Assemble each part of the house using royal icing. Keep it mind that it takes a few hours for the royal icing to set.
Fill every gap with royal icing to mimic the snow and glue sliver sugar pearls on the Christmas tree and door nobs. Let dry out.
With remaining royal icing, pipe out a couple of rosettes on a baking tray lined with baking mat or parchment. Stick in Christmas tree foot; let dry. In order for the gingerbread house to dry faster, place it in a warm area or in 113ºF/45ºC temp oven.

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