gingerbread construction (prep time!)

Trader Joes' Kit - so easy to assemble!

Four cousins (with some assistance) tackled their gingerbread houses with great enthusiasm.  You may recall that this year's kits are from Trader Joe's and they were the easiest I've ever assembled.  This amazing kit has holes positioned to make assembly puzzle-like - a must for those who are deterred by the frustration of collapsing walls and chimneys. We put all the candy out on display and each 'artist' collected supplies on paper plates for construction. Aunt Terry's quick recipe for icing follows - great for inspired architects who need more than the kit supplies. 

whipping up an extra batch of icing

Gingerbread House Icing

- courtesy Aunt Terry

Ingredients:

2 egg whites

1/8 t cream of tartar

3 c powdered sugar

1-2 t water or lemon juice

Directions:

Beat till a smooth, icing forms.  She uses her hand mixer - add extra liquid to thin if needed.

Inspiration links:

~ National Gingerbread House Competition

~ Gingerbread House Contests and Displays in your area

~ Grandfather sharing his passion for gingerbread building

Our assembly line ...

Product Parade: Gingerbread Houses

Trader Joe's Gingerbread House Kits

I confess to loving a good and messy craft every once in awhile.  And why not at the holidays?   When our kids were little, they received gingerbread house kits from family friends (Thanks Noelle & Marjorie!) and so began an annual tradition of decorating gingerbread houses in our family.  One year it was a train (yikes - luckily Aunt Deb was around to help put that together!) and other years we purchased homemade kits through a local charity. 

This year we'll be decorating kits with cousins on the Friday after Thanksgiving and I snapped up four kits at Trader Joe's today. These adorable little ski chalet kits were only $7.99 a piece.  I understand the icing will take a little work - but extra icing is a must for this lavish crew. And although the kits include candy - we always add generously from a host of favorites and the occasional leftover from Halloween.  I think these kits will be perfect for a group - charming enough to inspire some creativity but small enough to finish in an afternoon.  We'll be sure to post some pics of the process and their masterpieces!