Mom with the pieces, ready to build.

 


LJ decorates a gingerbread house during his early years.

 

 GINGERBREAD HOUSES

 

GINGERBREAD:
1/3 cup shortening
1 cup brown sugar (packed)
1 1/2 cup dark molasses
2/3 cup cold water
7 cups flour
2 t baking soda
1 t salt
1 t allspice
1 t ginger
1 t cloves
1 t cinnamon

Mix shortening, sugar, and molasses. Stir in water. Blend in dry ingredients. Chill.

Roll out dough 1/4" thick and cut into shapes.

Cook at 350 degrees on lightly floured pan for 10- 12 minutes, or until no imprint remains when touched lightly.

CEMENT FROSTING:
(for 3 gingerbread houses)
4 egg whites
1 t cream of tartar
4 cups sugar

Beat egg whites with cream of tartar until stiff. Gradually beat in 1 cup of sugar; beat 10 minutes more.

While using or storing the "cement", press saran wrap directly on top of frosting in bowl to prevent drying; lift wrap just long enough to remove "cement" for each application.

Dimensions for a large house:
Sides:
Height 6-1/4"
1st Floor 3-1/4"
Width 9"

Front & Rear:
1st Floor 3-1/4"
Width 6-1/2"

Roof:
Slope 7"
Width 9"

Dimensions for a small house:
Sides:
Height 5"
1st Floor 3"
Width 6-1/2"

Front & Rear:
1st Floor 3"
Width 6-1/2"

Roof:
Slope 4-1/2"
Width 8"


Assembly:
Obtain a base such as cardboard that is two or three inches larger than the footprint of the house. Cover the base with a somewhat sanitary layer such as aluminum foil.

Lay out the four walls flat to indicate the approximate location of the walls. Place a bead of cement (frosting) on the base for the foundation of each wall. Place the walls into these beads and have your assistant hold them in place. Note: a thread tied around the house will hold walls in place, especially with an early placement of the roof.

Place a bead of cement along the inside and outside of each corner. Place a bead of cement at the tops of the two sides and install the ridge beam.

Proceed with the above steps for second, third and fourth house while the cement sets up on the first house.

Place a bead of cement along the top of each wall and the two edges of the ridge beam. Carefully place the roofs on the house. Note the proper direction of the roof tiles. Have your assistant hold the roof gently in place until the cement sets up.

Place a bead of cement along the entire ridge line and install the chimney. Place cement on top of the chimney, on the window sills and along the external base of the house. Place cement by the door-opening and install the door.

Place cement on the roof per your design.

Place decorative candy based on your desires.

Let cement harden properly.

 

 

Bring me back to The Sustar Cookbook.