Source: Magazine Unknown
Makes 2 medium size houses
Preparation time: 4 hours
Tips: For easily assembly, bake one day, build the next.
Ingredients
Preparation
5 to 5 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons each: ginger and cinnamon
1 teaspoon each: nutmeg and cloves
1 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
1 1/4 cups unsulphured molasses
2 eggs, beaten
1. Combine all dry ingredients.
2. In large saucepan melt shortening, add sugar and molasses. Cool slightly, then add eggs, blend well. Knead remaining ingredients.
3. Roll to 1/8", cut pieces, see attached patter or create your own.
4. Place in greased cookie sheets. Bake at 375 F degrees for 8 to 10 minutes. Let cool, remove to rack and cool completely.
- For easily assembly bake house parts a day ahead. This allows the pieces to become hard, easier for childern to handle.
5. ICING: Beat egg whites first then add sugar. Beat for 7 to 10 minutes until very stiff. Keep covered with damp towel until needed. If Icing appears too runny, add more powdered sugar, if to stiff add few drops of water.
NOTE: 1) One recipe makes enough dough for at least two houses and extra pieces. If you only plan to make one house, 1/2 recipe is sufficient. Cookies get pretty hard once they cool, not so good for eating.
2) One recipe of icing may not be enough if one house with a large landscape and active little kids are helping, prepare to have more ingredients for a second batch just in case.
Ginger Bread House
Christmas Tradition
ROYAL ICING:
3 egg whites, room temperature
1 pound powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 teaspoon vanilla
