The annual Skelton Christmas party featured a gingerbread house contest this year.
Contestants paired up up to decorate wee gingerbread houses…These are the results. Which would you choose to be the grand winner?
The prize? Chocolate, of course–and an edible house…
#1 The Smartie Roof
#2 The classic scallop
#3 Red & White
#4 The authentic Shreddies roof
#5 Red Hots!
#6 The Mexican mansion
… and last but not least, #7–the rustic cabin in the woods, dream home of its designer.
And it all began with some simple houses (and a patient construction worker who fashioned them from our favorite gingerbread recipe).
Try it. Your kids will love the tradition!
Holiday Gingerbread Dough
In 3 qt. saucepan over medium heat, combine and heat to boiling, stirring occasionally:
3/4 cup molasses
3/4 cup margarine
3/4 cup brown sugar
Remove from heat. Cool.
Combine separately:
3 and 2/3 cup flour
3 tsp. ginger
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp nutmeg
Add 1 egg to molasses mixture when cool.
Stir in dry ingredients until smooth.
Divide in two parts . Flatten and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill 1 hour.
Roll dough out directly onto a greased cookie sheet, using the plastic wrap on top to prevent rolling pin from sticking. Roll 1/8—1/4” thick. Cut into desired shapes with floured cutter. (Create your own house pattern out of cardboard! Use pattern to trim cookies as they emerge hot from the oven for a perfect fit!)
Bake 10-14 min. 350F or until no indent remains. [It is important to bake till firm for houses!]
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Snow Frosting—the ‘glue’ for assembling and decorating your house. It hardens beautifully to keep your house picture perfect well into the New Year!
3 egg whites
3 and 3/4 cup icing sugar
1/2 tsp. cream of tartar
Combine and beat at medium speed until STIFF peaks form. Cover with damp cloth or put directly in decorator bags. Do not leave exposed to air. Makes 2 cups.
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And with that I will bid you a sweet holiday season!
–LS
“Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for [this] day [is] holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” Neh.8:10
