Gingerbread Recipe

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• 6 1/2 cups of flour
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 1 1/2 teaspoons of ginger
• (Sift these three and set aside)
• 1 cup of margarine
• 1 1/4 cup of brown sugar
• 1 1/2 cup of corn syrup (clear or dark depending on the color)

Heat margarine, brown sugar and corn syrup in a saucepan. Stir constantly over medium heat until no longer grainy (almost near boil).

Let set 10 minutes to cool. Then pour the syrup mixture into the flour mixture slowly using your hands to mix the dough till it becomes well incorporated. Heavy-duty Kitchen Aid mixers can handle the dough, lightweight mixers cannot.

Chill dough for about an hour to make rolling easier. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Roll out dough on a sheet pan to a thickness of 3/8 inch thick (for large or support pieces) or 1/4 inch thick (for smaller pieces). Have your pattern ready (lightly flour side that will be placed on dough), cut and remove excess. Check for air bubbles during backing and poke them with a knife or skewer.

Baking time will vary depending on thickness of dough, 15 minutes for thin pieces and 25-30 minutes for thick pieces. Cool, set aside and decorate.

Frosting Recipe

• 3 egg whites
• 1/2 teaspoon cream of tarter
• 1 (16 oz. box) confectioners powdered sugar

In a large bowl, combine all ingredients.

Beat 5-8 minutes with an electric mixer until smooth and thick. Test with a knife bade and see if it leaves a smooth cut through the icing. Store in a tightly-sealed container if not using right away.

Source: www.santas-workshop.org

Gingerbread House Tips

• If your dough is too tough to roll-out, microwave for 10-15 seconds.
• Use aluminum foil to roll-out, transfer and bake your pieces. Cut a piece of foil the same size as your baking sheet. Wipe your working surface with a damp sponge and lay the foil on top. This will prevent the foil from slipping. Sprinkle the foil with flour, roll-out your dough, cut your pieces, lift the entire piece of foil onto your baking sheet and bake. Use a fresh piece of foil for each roll-out.
• A pizza cutter provides a quick, straight line for large pieces like walls and roofs.
• Cut all windows and doors before baking.
• Prevent a lopsided house by holding the sides in place until dry.
• Pint-size zip-lock freezer bags make excellent frosting bags. Snip off the corner of the bag, fill with frosting, zip-lock closed and decorate.
• Variety of candy used to decorate is more important than quantity.
• Rice Krispie Treats, tinted green, make fun uniquely shaped bushes and trees.