2008-12-03T22:16:00.000-08:00

It's fun, it's easy, and it doesn't take all day.

With just a few simple tips, you'll be on your way to creating a fun family tradition!

Step 1: Bake the Gingerbread

Gingerbread Recipe

2 cups sugar
2 cups shortening
1 (12 ounce) bottle dark molasses
1 cup hot water
10 cups flour
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon ginger

Cream the sugar and shortening. Mix in the remaining ingredients. The dough should be the consistency of sugar cookie dough. If it's too sticky, add a little more flour. This recipe will make 6 gingerbread houses using the standard pattern pieces .

Directions

Baking Time

Bake at 350° for 12-15 minutes. It may take a little experimenting to determine the exact amount of baking time for your oven. The gingerbread pieces should harden as they cool. If they're still soft after cooling, they weren't baked longed enough; put them back in the oven for 3 or 4 minutes to harden. Soft pieces won't hold the weight of your candy decorations, so a little over-done is better than a little under-done.

Step 2: Mix Up the Icing

Royal Icing Recipe

3 tablespoons meringue powder
6 tablespoons warm water
1 pound confectioners sugar

Beat all ingredients until icing forms peaks (7-10 minutes at low speed with a heavy-duty mixer, 10-12 minutes at high speed with a hand-held mixer). Keep icing covered with a wet towel when not in use. This icing is for both assembling and decorating your houses. (You can find meringue powder at Michael's or at other craft stores that carry cake decorating supplies.)

Make Your Own Icing Tubes

You can make your own icing tubes out of freezer paper. To make them kid-friendly, fold the top down and staple them closed after filling with icing.

Step 3: Assemble the Houses

That's it!

Let the houses dry for

2-3 hours, and then they'll

be ready to decorate!

(Questions? EasyGingerbread@gmail.com)

Easy Gingerbread