Printable | Taste of Home

Gingerbread Candle Holders

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

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 mixed. 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

Printed from tasteofhome.com Jul 25, 2008

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Gingerbread Candle Holders cont.

greased baking sheet. Bake at 400° for 6 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 mixing 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. 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.

Yield: 8 candle holders.