Gingerbread Fun

This holiday season we are busy, busy, busy!  The boys have been asking to decorate a gingerbread house for weeks.  Last year I made all the gingerbread by hand and I was hoping to do the same this year,  but the season is getting the best of me and I just don't have time.  So rather than over promise and under deliver, I compromised by using graham crackers, recyclable boxes, leftover Halloween candy, a few quick items from the grocery store and home made icing.  We are so happy with the end result.

Our Sweet Gingerbread Village

It is amazing how much Halloween candy is green and red.

The marshmellow roof was a family favorite.  

That and the shaved coconut that we sprinkled everywhere to look like snow.

Ice cream cones make great bases for trees.  Just cover with icing and stick on gum drops.

Our hockey player needed to add an ice rink. 

 Look closely and you can see the pretzels are pumpkins.  

Royal Icing

(I had to triple the recipe)

1 lb. powdered sugar
1/2 tsp. cream of tartar
3 egg whites 

Beat on low speed until well blended, then beat on high speed until light and fluffy.

Gingerbread Houses

We used different size recyclable boxes to "glue" (with icing)  the graham crackers onto so they would be sturdy.  This made it much easier for the boys to decorate.  

Have fun and be festive!