Total Steps
9
Ingredients
19
Tools Needed
11
Related Article
http://www.lespetitesgourmettes.com/linda/huff-and-puff/Ingredients
- 1 pound cinnamon red hots
- 2 bag mini-malted milkballs, coated assorted
- Assorted Christmas candies(optional)
- 1 pound hard candies in assorted colors
- 2 pound chocolate covered raisins
- 10 rolls Necco Wafer(optional)
- 2 egg whites egg whites
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 2 cup powdered sugar, 10X
- 3/4 cup cold water
- 5 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 cup brown sugar (firmly packed)
- 8 ounce butter (2 sticks)
Instructions
Step 1
In a mixing bowl, on medium speed, cream together the butter, brown sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and salt. Add the molasses, mixing until incorporated. Add the flour, 1 cup at a time, and mix each cup until just combined. With the mixer running, slowly add the water. Spread the dough out on a sheet pan, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate it until you're ready to roll it out.
Step 2
Keep gingerbread cool while working with it. Dust with flour to avoid sticking. Brush away excess flour after cutting.
Step 3
Roll out dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Apply even pressure on rolling pin to avoid variance in thickness. Cut out house pieces using your cardboard templates. A dough wheel works best. Use a paring knife for corners.
Step 4
Bake pieces in a preheated 350 degree oven for approximately 20 minutes or until dough is set well. Crisp gingerbread is a must for a lasting structure. Allow pieces to cool completely before assembly. If pans are not level transfer warm pieces carefully onto the counter surface so they set completely flat.
Step 5
For the Royal Icing: In the bowl of a mixer, blend the above ingredients together and mix on medium-high speed for 3 minutes. Keep covered with a damp towel to prevent a crust from forming on the icing.
Step 6
Assembly Of Gingerbread Houses: Windows should be decorated before assembly. Colored flow icing, crushed candies, melted leaf gelatin, marzipan, etc. can be used for decoration.
Step 7
Mix royal icing and keep covered with a damp towel. Assemble house on a 12-inch round base of your choice. Start with a front piece and a side piece using royal icing liberally on the inside. The 2 pieces should stand without assistance. Assemble remaining pieces in the same fashion. Roof pieces may need support to counteract gravity.
Step 8
Time to decorate your house. Necco wafers make excellent roof shingles. Chocolate covered raisins will build a chimney. Red hots, jelly beans, chocolate chips, gummi bears - use your imagination in the candy aisle.
Step 9
Finish with royal icing and dust with snow; donut sugar looks best.