All Things Gingerbread

Inflatable Gingerbread House for 2014

2014-10-27T18:56:00.000-07:00

Animatronics inflatable gingerbread house Christmas decoration!
What a fun way to dress up your yard before you make your holiday houses!

My dogs would tear up any inflatable outdoor decorations, but this gingerbread house is pretty fun. It would go beautifully in my 60+ tree yard, that's for sure. If you love gingerbread, then it doesn't just restrict itself to making gingerbread houses for the kids in your life. It oozes into decorating and celebrating, and this inflatable gingerbread house would work beautifully for many fellow foodies.

You might also want to consider adding a gingerbread family to the scene with this cute ensemble!

Royal Icing Alternatives for Gingerbread Houses

2013-12-27T08:18:00.000-08:00

Now that Christmas has passed, it's time to share my latest discovery in gingerbread architecture! This is a fantastic alternative to royal icing, providing quicker setup and the ability to re-use hardened confectionary cement!

Almond bark has been used in holiday baking, treat making and candy making for a long time, but it's taken me 20+ years of gingerbread house making to think of it as a cement. It's relatively easy to use, and it solves the problem of raw egg whites for those who are worried about salmonella. I've never had anyone in our house get sick from royal icing, but some people don't want to take the chance. Having had salmonella issues in other situations, I don't blame anyone for their concerns.

To use almond bark as a gingerbread house icing, you will need to melt your product first. Cut it into chunks, and use the microwave for easy results. Two key factors: a) short heating spurts and b) regular stirring. You will use 30 second increments of heating, stopping to stir if possible in between. The first couple of spurts may not allow for much stirring, but it won't take long before you have a liquid product. Don't overdo it because you can burn your almond bark.

I use a dipping approach to assemble my pieces because I usually work on several houses at a time. You'll see in the image above that I don't stress about neat and tidy edges, but I love that with almond bark, neat and tidy is possible.

I begin my assembly by spreading my icing product on foil. With almond bark, this is a great starting point for holding your house in place. The timing on the setup is much quicker than with royal icing. I normally assemble my walls, using a slight tilt to avoid slipping. You'll notice gaps in my house pieces, a normal issue because I bake en masse and don't worry about neat and tidy for the kids. You'll find that if you check out my gingerbread recipe book for techniques that there are better baking options for more precise results.

I completed this house at the same time I worked on more than 10 houses with royal icing. I waited at least 30 minutes on the royal icing ones before adding roof pieces, but this one set up well within just a few minutes. You can evaluate progress by testing the icing on the foil...when it doesn't indent to the touch, you are looking at a good set.

When I add roof pieces, I cover the sides that won't show with a liberal layer of icing. I did the same with my almond bark.

You'll notice gaps during assembly of roof parts in the image above. Some almond bark in a tube is useful for filling gaps. However, when the material is very hot, it is also quite fluid. Allow it to cool a bit for a thicker flow. You don't have to fill those gaps completely because they won't be visible when the house is completely assembled. However, some points of contact are important for a good setup. Hold those pieces in place for a couple of minutes if necessary, and you'll have enough of a set to let go.

Decorating is really nice with almond bark. I use plastic storage bags for easy work on a mass basis, and I would recommend the freezer type of bag just because the plastic is more durable. Cut a small hole at a corner for allowing icing to flow out. You can ice the back of a candy before mounting it. Mounting to a vertical surface requires just a minute or two of pressure for your almond bark to set. This is much nicer than a royal icing mount on a vertical surface as such candies tend to slip even several minutes after placement.

Vertical candy placement on a gingerbread house assembled with almond bark.

It's important to note that drizzly almond bark can interfere with your decorating precision, as viewed in the house at the top of this article. Use caution if you want your house to be neat and tidy.

Almond bark gingerbread house icing provides great effects.

I really like the fact that you can layer features like icicles, and I love the dainty icicles that developed when I drizzled almond bark at my roof edges. You'll notice these layers in the image shown here.

One of the big bonuses with almond bark icing on our gingerbread house is the fact that the eating part, the favorite angle for the kids, is easy. No hammers necessary to pull mounted candies from the house or base. Also, the almond bark has a great flavor.

Notes: Almond bark is more of a cream color, and you won't have the pristine white that you can achieve with royal icing. You may be able to find a more white candy melt or almond bark product. Also, the dribbles from almond bark may need some quick smoothing in order to avoid ugly clumps...you don't get the flow effect that you can achieve with royal icing, but you can overlay additional almond bark to cover clumps or messes. You need to move quickly in spreading your almond bark because of the quick set nature of the material as well.

Consider a chocolate melting pot to keep your royal icing alternative hot and fluid while you work. I have a chocolate fountain, but that didn't seem practical, and this will go on my list for next year's project when I plan to make all of our houses with almond bark icing.

Gingerbread Favors and Goody Bags

2012-10-19T08:13:00.000-07:00

Gingerbread House Party Favor Ideas

If you are planning ahead for a big gingerbread house party, you may have in mind to create a set of favor bags. The ages of your participants will determine what types of favors you might use. Candy will have been consumed in quantity, so you may want to opt for fun products like the gingerbread necklace shown above. Keep things age appropriate. Don't give beads to small children. However, if you have preschoolers through teens, this foam gingerbread necklace is a perfect example of a great goody bag filler. It's great even if your focus isn't strictly on gingerbread houses.

Gingerbread Goody Bags for Christmas Parties

You'll love some of the fun goody bags and boxes available for gingerbread themed Christmas parties as well. The set shown here is adorable and unique, crafted of canvas and created with an appealing flair that children and adults with both love.

Gingerbread House Treat Box

Of course, if you want to send gingerbread cookies or excess gingerbread house candy decorations home with your guests, these treat boxes are also fun. These work well as gift boxes for food gifts if you are focused on making gifts to give this year as well.

Are You Counting Down Until Gingerbread House Making Day?

2012-10-17T12:21:00.000-07:00

My kiddos are beginning to think about the holidays, and of course, that means gingerbread house decorations and gingerbread house techniques are becoming part of the weekly conversation. Gingerbread house making day isn't set in stone yet, but with 2 kids in college, we are looking at the latter part of December.

I depend on my older daughters to help with the baking, and in fact, they've watched so much through the years that they can do the baking and cutting on their own. Imagine starting out as a Mom with all of the expertise and experience that it took me nearly 20 years to amass. My daughters will most certainly have fun with their own house decorating as mothers some day.

Parents, even if your kiddos are young, create a tradition that instills understanding and experience while building skills. My learning began as a youngster making cookies with my Mom. Gingerbread wasn't an annual tradition, but it was a treasured one. With my kids, I've improved over time to the point where they will have lots of knowledge about what works and what doesn't when they create their own family traditions. Whatever your holiday holds, traditions based on favorite baking and decorating themes are cementitious in that they hold things together.

You can check out my compilation of recipes, techniques and gingerbread traditions here.

Gingerbread House Village Parts

2012-09-28T17:43:00.000-07:00

Gingerbread House Village

If you don't really want to make your own gingerbread house village, these beautiful ceramic gingerbread houses are just wonderful. There are lots of additional options, and this can be equally captivating for adults and children. My sister-in-law has extensive Christmas village displays set up each year, and they fascinate the kids. I love the idea of a gingerbread Christmas village theme! Explore more ceramic gingerbread house decor.

Whimsical Gingerbread House Techniques: Sugar Cone Trees

2012-09-28T17:38:00.001-07:00

Whimsical Gingerbread House Tree Figurinees

If you love gingerbread house decor during your holiday season, then you will adore these cute trees. If you want to incorporate this concept into your gingerbread house techniques, there is absolutely no difficulty in tracking down sugar cones and doing a little stacking.

If you need a little padding between cones to create a layer that makes for distinct levels of each cone section, I suggest using a soft candy like Air Heads, rolling out a bit between parchment paper layers to thin, and placing between sections. Marshmallow would work as well. Fondant would also work.

Of course, a single cone makes an elegant tree, while stacked cones are more whimsical.

For more gingerbread house techniques, be sure to explore this post (http://allthingsgingerbread.blogspot.com/p/gingerbread-cutting-techniques.html), full of my cutting techniques for making your own gingerbread houses.

Gingerbread House Yard Decor: Gingerbread Flag

2012-09-04T14:07:00.002-07:00

Gingerbread House Yard Decor: Gingerbread Flag

Yard flags are great for use in your holiday decorating. They serve as visual reminders of the season without requiring a huge amount of effort. You can save all of your decorating energy for your gingerbread house project in the kitchen! The gingerbread house yard flag depicted is a beautiful choice of holiday imagery, great for greeting carolers or for welcoming your grandkids to gingerbread camp. Of course, if you are looking for a gingerbread man or an inflatable gingerbread house, there are always more gingerbread house yard decor possibilities.

Gingerbread House Recipes and Steps

2012-08-02T09:09:00.001-07:00

How to Make Gingerbread Houses
with Gingerbread House Recipes and Variations

If you are looking for a Kindle book on how to make a gingerbread house, I've compiled my steps and strategies along with my gingerbread house recipes, sugar cookie house recipe and other variations in this guide. Available here.

Gingerbread House Candies: Find Razzles Online

2012-06-09T17:52:00.000-07:00

Memory Lane

For the youngster of the late 70's and early 80's, Razzles were one of the favorite candies...or should I say, gums...or, perhaps, both? Of course! With a hard candy coating, original Razzles candies began with the feel and flavor of fruity candies. However, as the coating dissolved, the chewy goodness of gum came through, giving long lasting flavor and fun to the consumer. A childhood favorite, I enjoyed Razzles, and they were also a favorite decorative accent to family gingerbread house making. Though the years have passed, the classic candy/gum treat is still around, available for your own trip down memory lane, or for a perfect part of the ultimate gingerbread house!

Razzle Dazzle?

As with many popular childhood candies, Razzles have gone through some innovation in flavor, and a number of alternatives to the original lemon, raspberry, grape, blueberry and orange are available. The sour candies phase of the late 80's has never entirely disappeared, and many familiar varieties experimented with sour candies, Razzles included. Try those same original flavors in their sour counterparts.

Tropical Delight

The tropical trend also hit many popular candies of the 70's and 80's, and Razzles offers a tropical flavor assortment, as well.

Take a little trek into your past, or stock up for some fun summer treats. Plan ahead for your gingerbread house party, or just stock up because you enjoy them!

You can find all sorts of old fashioned candies in the virtual aisles of Amazon...and some, though not as old fashioned as we realize, are still our childhood favorites, stirring up memories, and inspiring gag gifts, practical jokes, and fun times as we remember the childhood themes that surrounded them. My favorite use for these older favorites is incorporating them into gingerbread house decorating activities with my kiddos.
However you put these candies to use, you can definitely find Razzles candies online, along with others, in varied quantities.

Now and Later Candies for Gingerbread House Decor

2012-06-09T17:45:00.000-07:00

A Favorite From the 70's

For the teens and tweens of the late 70's, Now and Later Candies were a standard favorite, often purchased before school at the local 7-11 store, and pawned off at a profit throughout the day. Visible at the grocery checkstand, Now and Later candies were a favorite request when Mom was at the point of proceeding with her purchase. The lasting ability of Now and Later was it's selling point for a kid. Pop one in, and fruity flavor was long lasting. Harsh on the teeth, but great for flavor, it was very popular, if not permitted, in the school arena.

Now and Later, Now

It's rare to see Now and Later Candy in the checkout lane of the grocery store these days. Even at the local convenience store, it's not the most obvious on display, if it's there. Check the candy aisle of the grocer, and it's probably not visible. Now and Later may make an appearance in a different form, as a candy cane variety at Christmas, for example, or as a Jelly Bean variety at Easter. The flavors are bold, and therefore worthy of such innovation. However, Now and Later in it's original form is a little tougher to locate. Our local nostalgia candy store carried the small 4 packs, but as the economy slowed, the store closed its doors. A favorite in our annual gingerbread house decorating, it's great to know that we can order online.

Flavors

Now and Later candies are still available in the classic flavors, memorable to school kids of the 70's and 80's, including grape, watermelon, and sour apple. A modern twist, many new flavors abound, sure to stimulate the sweet tooth of young and old, alike. Orange, Strawberry, Strawberry Banana-split, Mango Melon, Lemonberry Split, Green Tingleberry, Cherry Apple Split, Black Radberry, Red Radberry, Blue Radberry, Cherry Limeade Splash, Peppermint, and Peach Smash are some of the new selections available.

Easier on the Teeth

Now and Later soft candy is also available, more taffy-like than the original chews, which were much too hard to chew, and needed to slowly soften in one's mouth. That was the appeal of the original candy, more than likely to the chagrin of many dentists and parents. The softer version, still a danger to the dental work of us 70's kids in modern day, may be a nice way to enjoy an old favorite without tearing out crowns!
Different flavors are available in the soft Now and Laters, including chocolate and vanilla.

Enjoy a Trip Down Memory Lane!

Stock up, eat some now, and enjoy some later! You will find online sources a good way to do so, with bulk Now and Later Candies easily available.

Gingerbread Bundt Pan

2012-05-28T16:25:00.001-07:00

Gingerbread houses don't have to be made of cookies. Whether you love the style of the gingerbread house or the flavor, use this gingerbread house bundt pan to create a cake that's shaped like a house. This is a fun project for your tween or teen to engage in for holiday baking.>br>
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Cookie Cutter Gingerbread House Set

2012-05-28T16:22:00.001-07:00

If you love the cookie cutter approach to gingerbread house creation, this set from Fox Run is excellent for allowing a family sized gingerbread house. Be sure to read my page about gingerbread cutting techniques for the best approaches to making cookie cutter gingerbread houses.

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Runts Candies for Your Gingerbread House

2012-05-13T16:58:00.000-07:00

A Favorite With Young And Old

Walk into the Death Valley Nut and Candy Company, and one of the first items to jump out at young and old is the bulk packages of Runts candies! It may be the fact that they are close to an end, right about midsection of the aisles, or it may be the bright colors. Perhaps it's simply the fact that they are so popular. Nevertheless, the Runts grab my attention! The kids wander the aisles looking for just the right item to purchase with their spending money, but this is definitely a regular selection!
Of course, it takes a bit in gasoline to make the trek over to the Death Valley Nut and Candy Co., so it is a rare treat, usually close to gingerbread house decorating time. While it is still possible to track down the treats in local arenas, runts are usually restricted to the theatre box candy section at the drugstore. Not a chance of getting the quantity and price that one enjoys at the candy store. Further, the candy shop has wonderful bags of single flavors, not available at the local venue. Fortunately, for those who are looking for larger quantities or special selections of Runts, they can be purchased online

Runts Candies for Gingerbread House Decorating

For The Gingerbread House Enthusiast

When Gingerbread House time arrives, it is more of a rustic gourmet candy house that emerges. Combine Mom's delicious baked panels with an excited and creative atmosphere, and Runts candies are a must.
Bananas adorn the roof, hearts line the windows...icing and runts make for great fun, come Christmas! One theater box is never enough.

Gingerbread Decor in a Kit

Further, Wonka has produced it's own prebaked gingerbread house, combining the ease of prebaked house panels with the popularity of many Wonka favorites, including Runts.

Looking for an old favorite, or assembling gingerbread decor for your gourmet candy house, Runts are sure to fit the bill.

Favorite Mexican Candy: Perfect for Your South of the Border Gingerbread House

2012-05-13T16:52:00.000-07:00

¡Delicioso!

Whether you have been South of the border on a trip, or for a day, or whether you became acquainted with the flavors of Mexican candies through a friend who shared, it's always fun to come across the flavors every once in a while on your own turf. Perhaps you are hoping to accent a celebration with a piñata, or help your child add a little touch to a cultural presentation. Or, maybe you just love the combinations of sweet fruit flavors such as sandia (watermelon) or mango with the spicy picante of chile. Whatever your reason, it's fun to track down and buy Mexican candy.
Generally, you can find some types of Mexican treats in the Hispanic Foods section of your grocer, but not an extensive selection.

Paletas

Southwest Gingerbread House Decor: Mexican Paletas are Perfect

Lollipops are a common treat, and no different in Mexico, it is easy to find a youngster enjoying a paleta. The major difference, however, is that many Mexican lollipops are coated in chile, whether it is a chile mixed with sugar, or just a little dusting of a chile powder. Fruit flavors usually underlie the chile, whether just sweet frutiness, or fruity candy with its own chile incorporated into the sugary treat. Tamarindo, watermelon, and mango are the most common, though there are also "paletas de elote", corn cob shaped lollipops, yellow and sweet, encompassed with chile. Those don't taste much like corn, but apparently, it made for a great product.

My personal favorite Mexican candies, sandia flavored pops which are shaped like a slice of watermelon, with appropriate colorings, and coated in a sugar laden chile mixture. My mouth waters as I write. If you are new to Mexican candies, this is a must try! If you are familiar, you know what I'm talking about! Another, more difficult to find in the United States, and even tough when I've been in Mexico, are chile covered fruit flavored lollipops with a semi-liquid filling inside, "Rellenitos". Rather than doing a lot of footwork, it's nice to be able to find these Mexican candies to buy online!

Mazapan

Mazapan is so good, and it crumbles nicely for creating ground on a Southwest Gingerbread House

A powdery disc of peanuty goodness, Mazapan is a taste that many Mexican friends in the "Otro Lado" get excited about. In a dulcería these can often be purchased individually, as in many tienditas, or little shops. They can also be purchased in a box of many. I recommend the box, as you will want more than one.

Careful, they are a little messy, but so worth it!

Lucas

Add Lucas to Your Southwest Gingerbread House as a sprinkle over the roof or ground.

Lucas is very popular amongst Mexican kids, and among many adults who are kids at heart, as well. It comes in various forms, and is spicy and sour, sort of a combination of chile and lime or lemon. The powder is good for dipping ones fingers into, and licking. As I said, it's really popular with kids! They also enjoy it sprinkled over fruit. I never much took to chile on my (fresh) watermelon or oranges, but when the fresh fruit comes out, so does the chile, lucas being one of the versions.
Lucas laced candies include Pelón and Peloncitos. Pelón is Spanish for "bald man", and the candy is a container that works much as a Playdough barber shop set, pushing the oozy treat through multiple holes, coming out and looking like spaghetti or hair. Very fun, very tasty, it's a little messy, but again, worth it.

Duvalin

Duvalin: Flavored Icing Accents for your Southwest Gingerbread Casa

Another hugely popular treat amongst youngsters is Duvalin. A little thicker than icing, but about the same flavor, the small tray is about 2"x2", maybe a little smaller, and is about 1/4 " thick. A small plastic spatula comes with the inexpensive goodie, for scooping the mixture out and eating. If you love to lick the bowl after making a cake or icing, this is a treat you will love. Two to three flavors in a tray, including chocolate, vanilla and strawberry, a must try in your survey of Mexican treats!

Chicle

Mexican Gum is perfect for all sorts of gingerbread house accents in your casa de gingebre.

Canel's Chicle is another inexpensive and tasty treat. Available in any dulcería or tiendita, and easily obtainable in line while waiting to cross the frontera (border), this is a popular item. Available to purchase online in the traditional box of small packets, similar gum is available for bulk purchase as well. Great shingles on a gingerbread house roof, or just a nice monotony breaker, these are a great piñata stuffer, as well.

McStevens Hot Chocolate for Your Gingerbread House Party

2012-04-10T07:01:00.000-07:00

Fall and Winter Fun

Autumn ushers in that appreciation for hot beverages, bursting with flavors that speak of chilly days, falling leaves, snowball fights, and Christmas trees. McSteven's Holiday Hot Cocoa, Cider, and other nostalgic hot beverage mixes in nostalgic tins, bearing fun and whimsical scenes or memorable characters, are a great way to bring a bit of yesteryear into your home today. These are lovely in their own right, as small gifts for friends and family, so if you are looking for something truly unique, browse through those selections below, as it's doubtful you'll see them on the shelves of your local department store.
Many of the flavors are elegant and unique, much more intriguing than the simple packets of hot cocoa and cider mix you'll find at the grocery store. When the product is gone, you'll want to hang on to the lovely tins.

McSteven's Belgian White,White Chocolate Drink Mix,8-Ounce Tins (Pack of 3)

Amazon Price: $17.89

McSteven's Belgian White Chocolate Drink Mix

White chocolate as a morning beverage? Out of this world! As an evening treat? Scrumptious! The lovely snowman scene on the tin is perfect for an elegant, yet inexpensive, Christmas gift for a teacher or colleague. Bundle it with a snowman mug, for a perfect token of appreciation.
Do you need a holiday gift for your secret pal? This is the perfect way to add a touch of luxury to the season. A postal carrier, or hair stylist, or receptionist, will also find this a fun token of your appreciation during the Christmas season.

McSteven's Gingerbread HolidayBlend Cocoa, 5.5-Ounce Tins(Pack of 4)

Amazon Price: $22.29

For the Gingerbread Afficionado

If you love gingerbread, or know someone who does, McSteven's Gingerbread Hot Cocoa is a perfect match with a gingerbread man mug. Bring it as a hostess gift to a Christmas caroling party, or give it to that baking enthusiast! Get a set of gingerbread man mugs, and a package of Gingerbread Holiday Blend Cocoa by McStevens, and have a fun night with your children, reading the story of the Gingerbread Man, and drawing up plans, or making candy decorations lists, for your upcoming gingerbread house decoration event!

	McSteven's Peanuts Good GriefCafe Holiday Cocoa Gift Set,3-Count, 2.5-Ounce Tins (Packof 2) Amazon Price: $25.00
	CHARLIE BROWN good Grief shirtPEANUTS COFFEE MUG 12oz Amazon Price: $12.00

Good Grief!

Christmas celebrations just aren't complete, for some, without watching the Charlie Brown Christmas Special. Enjoy McStven's collection of Charlie Brown and Peanuts hot cocoa tins, and find some Peanuts mugs, as well...bundle up and watch that special while enjoying this treat! My daughter already has Charlie Brown mugs picked out for her Uncle, who once playe the lead role in a middle school version of "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown". Now all we need is the coordinating tins of hot chocolate mix. There are McStevens Beverages in Peanuts designs for other occasions, as well, so be sure to look for Valentines, and others.

	McSteven's Raggedy AnnChocolate Cocoa Gift Set,3-Count, 2.5-Ounce Tins (Packof 2) Amazon Price: $23.98
	McSteven's Raggedy Ann & AndyCandy Cane Cocoa, 8-Ounce Tins(Pack of 3) Amazon Price: $17.89
	Raggedy Ann and Andy CoffeeMug Amazon Price: $27.95

Raggedy Ann and Andy

McSteven's has selections of Raggedy Ann and Andy hot cocoa tins and mixes, perfect for the adult who has fond memories of the pair, or for the youngster just becoming acquainted with them. Pair the hot cocoa with a mug, or an ornament, or a doll, or bring it yourself, and read Raggedy Ann and Andy stories to your nieces and nephews, or grandchildren! What a fun tradition!
If you have an older relative who has loved collectible, vintage dolls such as Raggedy Ann, this is a fun gift idea, as it may bring back some great memories. There are many Raggedy Ann crafts available, and it would be fun to package this treat in a special tote, decorated Raggedy Ann style!

	McSteven's Harvest Spice WhiteHot Chocolate, 2.5-Ounce Tins(Pack of 12) Amazon Price: $36.63
	McSteven's Spiced Apple CiderInstant Drink Mix, 8-OunceTins (Pack of 4) Amazon Price: $18.00
	McSteven's Traditions CaramelApple Cider, 8-Ounce Tins(Pack of 3) Amazon Price: $14.96 List Price: $17.89

McStevens Harvest Flavors

Perfect for fall nights, and great to bring along to a Thanksgiving Day celebration, these elegant flavors include Harvest Spice White Chocolate, Apple Cider, and Carmel Apple Cider. You may want to get an extra container for yourself, these will be a hit!
Are you setting up a kids table for Thanksgiving? Use the McStevens tins as part of the centerpieces, emptying the contents, and creating a lollipop bouquet, with the McStevens tin as the base. Mix up the hot cocoa, meanwhile, and serve it to the youngsters with generous dollops of whipped cream, while the adults enjoy coffee and tea.

Find Additional McSteven's Hot Beverage Mixes

For autumn and winter holidays, or for other occasions throughout the year, McSteven's provides intriguing and elegant packaging for unique hot and cold beverages. While all possiblities are not able to be displayed herein, there are options for wedding day and new baby themes at Amazon, and some of the McSteven's mixes and tins are available for subscribe and save discounts.

Candy Christmas Ornaments

2012-04-10T06:48:00.003-07:00

Edible Christmas Decor

One of the highlights of the Christmas season is the decorating of the tree, and for young and old, the sweets and treats of the holiday season are similarly loved. Combine the two with candy Christmas ornaments of various types. Get extras, though, as it's hard to keep little ones from wanting to sample the fun!

Candy Christmas Ornaments for Fun Tree Decorating Traditions

Many companies provide specialty ornaments each season. It's not tough to check the Christmas aisles of your favorite stores to find some of the biggies: M&M's, Lifesavers, and others, are traditional favorites. However, in my small town, that's the limit, and generally, I don't have the time during the prep for my tree decorating to track down the unique and unusual in person. However, many retailers, including Amazon, make it easy to find such goodies from the convenience of your home. Featured below are some of the options you will find at Amazon.

Foil Wrapped Chocolate Ornaments

Giradelli Chocolate Ornaments add Elegance to the Tree

When I was a child, there was a terrific little German restaurant in our town, which had a little gift area up front. I remember the assortment of novelty candies in unique containers, and foil wrapped ornaments were among the lovliest. The colors of the foil, reflecting the tree lights, are captivating to small children. Be careful not to place these too close to the lights, as melting is possible. Also, pay attention to the reach of your toddlers; if you have children who are prone to grabbing and putting tree decorations in their mouths, you don't want them to be able to get to these when you aren't watching. I've had many a toddler moment where wrapped food went into the mouth, wrapper and all, and that wouldn't be a pleasant outcome with your edible tree ornaments. Keep foil wrapped chocolate ornaments higher up if you have toddlers.

How to Make Sugar Cookies From Scratch, and Sugar Cookie Houses Too

2012-04-10T06:41:00.001-07:00

Build a fun tradition with your kids...

Sugar cookies are an integral part of many families' holiday activities, whether you make them from scratch, or from a purchased dough, or from a mix. Decorating provides an amazing time of bonding, with creativity able to be demonstrated at every level. I'm always amazed by the new and wonderful sugar cookie designs displayed on magazie covers during the Christmas holidays, and the reality is that there are cutters, equipment, presses, and applications for every imaginable holiday or event.
I have a high school friend who has stepped into her own custom cookie business, shipping logo cookies and one of a kind gifts and favors, all over the place. I have a relative who incorporates elegantly designed and decorated pieces into her cake decorating business. And I have creative children, who work with me to create unique confectionary designs and concepts for our own use, eating and gifting. While gingerbread houses are our absolute favorite, we've taken it to another level in recent years, creating a comparable sugar cookie house recipe. The tips and tricks we've learned apply to making sugar cookies from scratch, as well.

Make sugar cookie dough from scratch, for a variation on traditional gingerbread houses.

Ingredients

5 to 5 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
1 1/4 cups light corn syrup
2 eggs, beaten

Procedure

Mix the dry ingredients thoroughly.
Melt your shortening in a large pot (I use my stockpot for a double recipe) until it is just melted, then remove from heat.
Add sugar, then corn syrup, then eggs, mixing well after each addition.
Cool your ingredients, then add 4 cups of the dry ingredients (8 if you are doubling) and mix well.
Sprinkle about half of your remaining dry ingredients onto a hard surface (my tabletop works best) and pour your dough out onto the surface. Begin kneading the dry ingredients into your dough. Continue to add dry ingredients, kneading until you have a firm dough.
With a sturdy stand mixer, you could probably do much of this in the mixer, rather than by hand.
You can prepare to bake right away, or refrigerate your dough for up to a week. Allow ample time for dough to come to room temperature before using.
To use, roll dough to 1/4" thick, and cut (variations on this procedure will be given)
Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes
Allow to cool, and decorate!

Baking and Cutting Techniques

Note that parchment paper is extremely helpful in confection baking of all sorts, including when you make sugar cookies from scratch. The only time I don't use parchment paper is when I've run out. I cut a section to fit each baking sheet I will be using, and re-use until I'm finished baking for the day. This alleviates the frustration of sticking, and makes for a much easier cleanup.
When you roll out cookie dough on a board or mat, there is potential that the cut out shape will stretch when you move it to the baking pan. I usually use a thin metal spatula to transfer my cut outs, but if precision is important, as in a confection house, this is not my preferred method. However, if you are making shapes which don't have to be precise, such as hearts or snowmen, then this is fine.

Dealing With Scraps

Since I try to stretch my recipes out for multiple houses, I often roll my dough much thinner than the recommended quarter inch. Usually, I will roll my dough directly onto the baking sheet/parchment paper, and cut out my shapes there. Then, I remove scraps, and toss them into the "recycled scraps bowl"...they will be put together with all the other scraps, rolled out again, and made into shapes. Because the rolled out dough gets tougher, I try not to mix scraps with the fresh, unrolled dough.

If you are doing a bunch of houses, or tons of from scratch sugar cookies, you will inevitably get ahead of your supply of baking sheet space, in terms of having more pieces ready to bake than will fit at a time. I find it sensible to have lots of parchment sheets cut to size in this case, ready to fit into the baking sheet, easy to remove the whole shebang when it comes out of the oven. This makes your project more time efficient, though you will use up a little more paper. In my economy, that's alright!

Still another approach, the one I've adopted with houses, is to bake the dough as a whole sheet. I roll onto the correctly sized parchment paper, and pre cut the pieces, without removing scraps. When the dough is sufficiently baked, I re-cut, and then allow them to cool a few minutes before removing...premature removal can cause precise shapes to get tweaked a bit. The cutting can be done, the parchment paper holding the cookies can be removed intact from the sheet, and the next batch put in place to bake.
You can also do your first and only cutting in the baked dough, provided you move quickly. However, this leads to rough, crumble laden edges. This was my approach last year, but I have since discovered that pre-cutting leads to a tidier outcome.

Shapes

Math teacher by trade, I love unique shapes, and recently considered some from scratch projects involving creative shaping. This led to a great brainstorming session with my kids, and lots of trial and error.
However, we found that a sharp knife can allow for creative shapes to be made. Use the knife to "draw" your shapes freehand, and when the baking is complete, separate while still warm.
The thinner you have rolled your dough, the quicker you will have to move on this.

Decorating Techniques

Decorating techniques, whether you make sugar cookies from scratch, or from purchased dough, are wide and varied. It can be as simple as purchased decorating materials from the baking aisle of your grocer, or as complicated as my friend's elaborate logo designs. That will be the topic of another hub, another day, perhaps many hubs. If you want a great, simple Royal Icing Recipe, here's mine! Beyond that, the sky is the limit!

Cookie Cutters and From Scratch Sugar Cookies

Cutting out shapes is an integral part of the process, much fun for the whole family, and a fantastic educational experience, with an especially wonderful opportunity to explore the concept of "conservation". It doesn't need to be a formal study, though it could. However, you can observe your children's ability to notice what a similar quantity of sugar cookie dough will allow for, with regard to the shapes and sizes. Discuss the number of small cookies, large cookies, or gingerbread house panels that you can get out of a certain sized ball of dough.
Observe the kids spatial understanding, and notice the difference with which each child places their cutters. Which children are more proficient at getting more cookies from one rolling out of a dough ball? This child is probably more of a visual learner. You will notice a difference if you let this happen naturally, not dictating the cuts. You may never have considered a sugar cookie recipe to be as useful in educational insights as this, but I find it fascinating to watch how my different children approach such activities. You can find lots of cookie shapes and sizes, whether for holidays, or for every day!

Royal Icing Decorating Bag Organizer

2011-11-29T22:39:00.001-08:00

If you are hosting a gingerbread house decorating party, then this is a great tool for multiple tubes of royal icing. In fact, even if it's just you doing the decorating, this can be a valuable tool, as it holds the icings so that they are easy to pick up and put back. I generally stick with normal royal icing for our gingerbread houses, but on occasion, we've ventured into the unknown, creating tinted icings for our gingerbread houses. While I often resort to a couple of pie tins for laying our icing tubes down, Wilton's Decorating Bag Holder and Organizer, pictured and linked above, is a step toward tidiness!

Christmas Tree Decorations for Your Gingerbread House

2011-11-29T08:30:00.001-08:00

If you love detail on your gingerbread houses, then don't miss this fun tool! Gingerbread houses are individual works of art, and many of our houses through the years have included lots of yard art, like trees and snow piles. The pretzel mold featured below provide 4 1/2" by 1 1/2", sufficient size to hold a pretzel rod, retailing at $2.49. Young children may not have the dexterity and manual skills to fill the mold by themselves, but with help, can participate in creating these clever decorative elements for their gingerbread houses. Older children, ages 6-8, may also need help for detail work, while ages 9 to 11 should be able to fill the molds neatly enough. Ages 12 and up, depending on artistic ability and personality, have the potential for creating more colorful detail in the Christmas tree element of this mold. If you are using these decorative pretzels as accents for your gingerbread yard, then use something as a base, like a marshmallow. Anchor it to your base covering with ample royal icing, allow the icing to set up for several minutes, and then insert the pretzel into the marshmallow base. You can invent other means, as well, and believe me, your kids are prime for fantastic brainstorming about how to get their desired gingerbread house effects! Find candy melting supplies here.

Gingerbread Placemats--All Things Gingerbread

2011-11-10T15:03:00.001-08:00

Gingerbread house fans often also enjoy the presence of gingerbread boys and girls in their holiday decor! If that is the case for you, or for someone special, then you'll appreciate the gingerbread placemats featured here. From the Kohls St. Nicholas Square collection, there are several pretty gingerbread placemat choices, ranging from cloth, to vinyl. Perfect, whether you have little ones in the house, or whether you are a kid at heart...gingerbread decor is cheerful and bright! (**Images below are hyperlinked to specific product pages and details.)

Vinyl Gingerbread Kids Placemat...cute and lighthearted for gingerbread fun, perfect for controlling the gingerbread house and cookie decorating messes, when you work on your holiday baking!

All aspects of gingerbread house and gingerbread cookie decorating are brought together in this pretty cloth placemat!

Round Gingerbread Placemat

Swarovski Gingerbread Ornament/Pendant

2011-11-09T13:32:00.001-08:00

If you know someone who loves gingerbread men and gingerbread houses, then you will love this gingerbread Christmas ornament from Swarovski! Measuring 1 1/16 " by 1 1/2", hanging on a white satin ribbon, he's the perfect personal ornament for the gingerbread family's Christmas tree, but he would easily double as a lovely gingerbread pendant! Swarovski is such a pretty Christmas decorating element, already, and in gingerbread, absolutely charming. Image links to product details, but be sure to explore the entire range of pretty Swarovski Christmas tree ornaments.

Sweetheart Playhouse: Gingerbread Gift Ideas for Kids

2011-11-07T07:33:00.001-08:00

Do your youngsters love gingerbread houses? A gingerbread house playhouse is a fantastic way to provide hours of imaginative pretend play, with a pretty gingerbread look. Step 2 is known for quality, sturdy plastic play toys, and their playhouses are fun, cute, and perfect for carrying that gingerbread theme into holiday gifts.

Gingerbread House Cookie Jar

2011-11-07T07:27:00.001-08:00

Whether you have time to make a gingerbread house, or not, if you love gingerbread houses, then this ceramic gingerbread house cookie jar is a fun decorative piece to use throughout the holiday season. It can serve as a charming table centerpiece, or can be used to house your homebaked Christmas cookies. Create a Christmas scene on your dining table, kitchen counter, or coffee or accent table. Hide special gifts inside during the 12 Days of Christmas, and make it a part of a fun family tradition. **Image links to product details and availability at Target.

Gingerbread Candy Bowls

2011-11-07T07:23:00.001-08:00

If you want to put a cute spin on things, when it comes to your gingerbread house decorating, it can be fun to have candy bowls for sorting and separating special candies...the set of gingerbread man bowls pictured above are offered at Target (linked through image), and are fun for using the gingerbread theme to organize your gingerbread house making party. Further, they can be used in other ways through the holiday season: breakfast cereal, ice cream sundaes, holding goodies for dipping in a chocolate fountain...you can be as creative as you wish.

Gingerbread Vinyl Tablecloth

2011-11-05T15:12:00.000-07:00

Vinyl Gingerbread Themed Tablecloth
from the St. Nicholas Square Collection

If you are hosting a gingerbread house making party, or just enjoying the theme at home with your kids, a gingerbread vinyl tablecloth is a helpful tool to incorporate into your activities. Vinyl is an easy to clean surface, and my preference when working with little ones. Dinner messes clean up well, as do royal icing messes from gingerbread house decorating. A vinyl tablecloth won't last forever, but it will bring a lovely element of cheer and excitement to the home that loves making gingerbread houses and gingerbread men! You'll find the bright, Christmasy vinyl gingerbread tablecloth at Kohl's.