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Gingerbread House

Here's a set of tasty house plans! You're sure to have a delectable gingerbread house using my recipe and building tips. —Christa Currie, Milwaukie, Oregon

1 ServingsPrep: 1-1/4 hours Bake: 10 min./batch + cooling

Ingredients

GINGERBREAD HOUSE DOUGH:
2 cups sugar
2 cups shortening
2 cups dark molasses
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
9 to 10 cups all-purpose flour
ICING AND ASSEMBLY:
8 cups confectioners' sugar
6 tablespoons meringue powder
3/4 to 1 cup warm water
Decorating bag
Large dot (#12) decorating tip
Spice jars
Candies and cookies for decorating

Directions

Dough: In a large saucepan, cook the sugar, shortening and molasses
on low, until shortening is melted and sugar is dissolved, stirring
constantly. Remove from heat; add the cinnamon, baking soda and
salt. Stir in flour, 1 cup at a time, until dough can be formed into
a ball.
Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface; knead until even in color
and smooth (not crumbly or dry), adding more flour if needed. Form

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Gingerbread House (continued)

Directions (continued)

into a log. Cut into five equal pieces; wrap in plastic wrap. Cut
patterns out of paper or cardboard.
Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly grease the foil. Lay a damp
towel on counter; place prepared pan on towel (to prevent slipping).
Unwrap one portion of dough. Using a very lightly floured rolling
pin, roll out dough directly on baking sheet to a 15-in. x
10-1/2-in. rectangle about 1/4 in. thick. Position patterns at least
1/2 in. apart on dough as shown. Cut around patterns with a sharp
knife or pizza cutter; remove patterns. Remove dough scraps; cover
and save to re-roll if needed.
Bake at 375° for 10-14 minutes or until cookie springs back when
lightly touched. Remove from oven; immediately replace patterns on
dough. Cut around the edges to trim off excess cookie. Cool 3-4
minutes or until cookies begin to firm up. Carefully remove to a
wire rack; cool Repeat with remaining dough and patterns.
Icing and Assembly: In a large bowl, beat the sugar, meringue powder
and 3/4 cup water on low until blended. Beat on high for 8-10
minutes or until stiff peaks form, adding additional water, 1
tablespoon at a time, if needed. Place a damp paper towel over bowl
and cover tightly until ready to use.
To assemble frame of the house, test your cookie pieces to make sure
they fit together snugly. if necessary, file carefully with a
serrated knife or an emery board to make fit. Fill decorating bag
two-thirds full with icing. Beginning with the front of the house,
squeeze a 3/8-in. wide strip of icing onto the bottom edge of the
front piece. Position on the cookie base, 3 in. from the front edge
of the base. Prop it upright with spice jars for 2-3 minutes or
until icing hardens; remove jars.
To add the sides, squeeze icing on lower edge of one side piece and
side edge of the front piece. Align pieces at a right angle, making
sure they are as tight as possible. Repeat with the other side.
To add the back,squeeze icing on the bottom and side edges of the
back piece; position with the other assembled pieces. For added
stability, squeeze icing along the inside edge of all pieces and
corners.
To assemble the roof, working with one side at a time, squeeze icing
on the upper edge of the slant of the front and back pieces on one
side. Also squeeze icing on the adjoining side piece. Carefully
place roof piece on the slants so that the roof's peak is even with
the pints of the front and back. (There will be an overhang of 1/2
in.) Repeat with other side of the roof.
To decorate, add a chimney if desired (see photo for assembly).

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Gingerbread House (continued)

Directions (continued)

Decorate the house with remaining icing, candies and cookies of your
choice. Yield: 1 gingerbread house.