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Gingerbread Candle Holders

These clever candle holders from our Test Kitchen would make a lovely Christmas centerpiece when grouped together. Or use them at individual place settings as pretty party favors.

8 ServingsPrep: 50 min. + chilling Bake: 15 min. + cooling

Ingredients

3 cups self-rising flour
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup molasses
1 egg, lightly beaten
ICING:
2-2/3 cups confectioners' sugar
1 tablespoon meringue powder
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
3 tablespoons water

Directions

In a food processor, combine the flour, ginger and cloves. Add
butter; cover and process until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add
the brown sugar, molasses and egg; cover and process until blended.
Wrap dough in plastic wrap; refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or
until firm.
Unwrap dough; knead until smooth, about 8 times. On a lightly floured
surface, roll out dough to 1/4-in. thickness. Cut out eight trees
with a floured 5-in. tree-shaped cookie cutter. Cut out eight 3-in.
round circles, rerolling dough scraps if necessary.
Place 2 in. apart on a greased baking sheet. Bake at 400° for 6

2 of 2

Gingerbread Candle Holders (continued)

Directions (continued)

minutes. Using a plastic straw, cut out circles in a random pattern
on the trees (so candlelight can shine through). Bake 6-7 minutes
longer or until firm. Remove to wire racks to cool.
For icing, in a large bowl, combine the confectioners' sugar,
meringue powder and cream of tartar. Add water; beat on low speed
for 1 minute or until very stiff.
Cut a small hole in the corner of a pastry or plastic bag; insert a
#5 round pastry tip. Outline trees and decorate trees with garland
and ornaments as desired. Pipe icing onto the bottom edge of each
tree; set tree on a round base about 1/2 in. from edge. For
additional support, pipe another line of icing along the back of
tree where it joins the base. Prop trees with small glasses until
icing has set. Let stand overnight to dry completely. Store in an
airtight container.
Place a votive candle or tea light on the base of holder behind the
tree, or attach a birthday candle with a dab of icing on the base.
Be aware that the heat will eventually soften the icing. Yield: 8
candle holders.

Editor's Note: As a substitute for each cup of self-rising flour, place 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a measuring cup. Add all-purpose flour to measure 1 cup. Meringue powder is available from Wilton Industries. Call 1-800/794-5866 or visit www.wilton.com.