The gingerbread house, a staple of holiday festivities, especially around Christmas, is a treat that combines culinary art with festive cheer. These edible masterpieces are not just delightful to look at; they also serve as a centerpiece for family gatherings, parties, and other celebrations. However, the question often arises: what are you supposed to do with a gingerbread house? Is it merely for display, or can it be enjoyed in other ways? This article delves into the world of gingerbread houses, exploring their history, construction, and most importantly, how to make the most out of this sweet tradition.
Introduction to Gingerbread Houses
Gingerbread houses have a long history that dates back to 16th century Germany, where gingerbread was a staple. The tradition of making gingerbread houses, known as “Lebkuchenhaus,” was popularized in the Brothers Grimm’s fairy tale “Hansel and Gretel,” where the witch’s house is made of gingerbread and candy. This fairy tale not only cemented the gingerbread house in folklore but also inspired the tradition of baking and decorating these houses during the holiday season.
Construction and Design
Constructing a gingerbread house can be a fun and creative activity for the whole family. The basic components include gingerbread for the walls and roof, royal icing to act as mortar, and a variety of candies and decorations to make the house festive. Gingerbread dough is typically made with molasses, sugar, eggs, and spices, giving it a distinct flavor and aroma. The dough is rolled out, cut into the required shapes, and then baked until firm. Royal icing, made from powdered sugar and egg whites, is used to “glue” the pieces together and decorate the house.
Decorating the Gingerbread House
Decorating the gingerbread house is where creativity knows no bounds. From traditional candies like gumdrops, M&M’s, and licorice, to more elaborate decorations such as fondant, buttercream, and edible glitter, the possibilities are endless. Many people enjoy this part of the process the most, as it allows them to express their creativity and make the house truly unique. Some even theme their gingerbread houses, creating scenes from favorite movies, books, or historical periods.
What to Do with a Gingerbread House
So, what are you supposed to do with a gingerbread house? The answer is multifaceted, as these edible structures can serve several purposes beyond just being a decorative piece.
Displaying Your Gingerbread House
First and foremost, gingerbread houses make excellent centerpieces for holiday tables or decorative pieces for mantles and sideboards. They add a touch of warmth and festivity to any room, and their aroma can fill the house with a cozy, inviting scent. When displaying a gingerbread house, it’s essential to keep it away from direct sunlight and moisture to prevent it from becoming soggy or discolored.
Eating Your Gingerbread House
While it might seem sacrilegious to dismantle such a beautifully crafted piece of art, gingerbread houses are, after all, edible. Eating the gingerbread house can be a fun activity, especially for children. It’s a sweet way to conclude the holiday season, turning what might otherwise be a static decoration into an interactive and delicious experience. However, it’s worth noting that gingerbread houses are best consumed within a week or two of construction, as they can become stale or develop off-flavors if left out for too long.
Hosting a Gingerbread House Eating Party
For a unique and memorable experience, consider hosting a gingerbread house eating party. Invite friends and family over, and instead of the traditional cake or dessert, have your gingerbread house as the centerpiece. Provide a variety of beverages, such as hot chocolate or coffee, and have everyone gather around the table to enjoy the house together. This can be a fun and communal way to enjoy your gingerbread house, turning the act of eating it into a special event.
Preserving Your Gingerbread House
For those who cannot bear the thought of eating their gingerbread house, or who wish to keep it as a memento of the holiday season, there are ways to preserve it. One method is to use a food dehydrator or a low-temperature oven to dry out the gingerbread completely, making it less susceptible to mold or decay. Another approach is to seal the house in a glass case or a large plastic container to protect it from dust and moisture. However, it’s crucial to note that even with preservation methods, gingerbread houses will eventually deteriorate over time.
Creating a Lasting Tradition
Whether you choose to display, eat, or preserve your gingerbread house, the most important aspect of this tradition is the time and effort you put into creating it. Making a gingerbread house can be a yearly tradition that brings family and friends together, fostering bonding and creating lasting memories. It’s an activity that combines art, cuisine, and celebration, making it a unique and enriching experience for all involved.
In conclusion, a gingerbread house is more than just a decorative piece or a sweet treat; it’s a symbol of tradition, creativity, and community. Whether you decide to display it proudly, enjoy it as a dessert, or preserve it as a keepsake, the gingerbread house is a holiday tradition that offers something for everyone. So, the next time you find yourself wondering what to do with a gingerbread house, remember the multitude of options available, and most importantly, the joy and festivity it brings to your holiday celebrations.
| Gingerbread House Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Displaying | Placing the gingerbread house in a visible area as a decorative piece. |
| Eating | Consuming the gingerbread house, either by oneself or with others. |
| Preserving | Using methods to keep the gingerbread house from deteriorating over time. |
- Make it a family affair: Involve all members of the family in the process of making and decorating the gingerbread house.
- Get creative: Don’t be afraid to try new designs, themes, and decorations to make your gingerbread house unique.
What is the history behind gingerbread houses?
The tradition of making gingerbread houses dates back to 16th century Germany, where bakers would create elaborate houses and decorations made from gingerbread and other sweets. The tradition was popularized in the 19th century with the publication of the Brothers Grimm’s fairy tale “Hansel and Gretel,” which features a witch who lives in a house made of gingerbread and candy. This story helped to cement the idea of gingerbread houses as a festive and magical treat.
As the tradition of making gingerbread houses spread throughout Europe and eventually around the world, it evolved and was influenced by various cultural and culinary traditions. Today, gingerbread houses are a beloved holiday treat that can be found in many different forms and styles, from simple and traditional to elaborate and ornate. Whether made at home or purchased from a bakery, gingerbread houses are a delicious and festive way to celebrate the holiday season. They can be enjoyed as a sweet treat, used as a centerpiece for holiday gatherings, or given as a gift to friends and family.
How do I make a gingerbread house from scratch?
Making a gingerbread house from scratch can be a fun and rewarding holiday activity. To start, you will need to make a batch of gingerbread dough, which typically consists of flour, butter, sugar, eggs, and spices. You can use a recipe found online or in a cookbook, or you can experiment with different ingredients and flavor combinations to create your own unique recipe. Once the dough is made, you will need to roll it out and use a template or pattern to cut out the pieces of the house, including the walls, roof, and doors.
To assemble the house, you will need to use a type of icing or glue to hold the pieces together. Royal icing, which is made from powdered sugar and egg whites, is a popular choice for gingerbread houses because it dries hard and can be colored and flavored. You can also use other types of icing or glue, such as frosting or melted chocolate, to decorate and assemble the house. Once the house is assembled, you can decorate it with a variety of candies, icings, and other edible decorations to make it look festive and fun. With a little patience and creativity, you can make a beautiful and delicious gingerbread house from scratch.
What types of candy and decorations can I use on a gingerbread house?
The types of candy and decorations you can use on a gingerbread house are endless, and the choices will depend on your personal preferences and the theme of your house. Some popular choices include gumdrops, M&M’s, candy canes, and sprinkles. You can also use other types of sweets, such as licorice, marshmallows, and coconut flakes, to create a unique and festive look. In addition to candy, you can use other edible decorations, such as icing, frosting, and chocolate, to add details and designs to your house.
To attach the candy and decorations to the house, you can use a type of icing or glue, such as royal icing or frosting. You can also use melted chocolate or other types of edible adhesives to attach the decorations. When choosing candy and decorations, be sure to consider the theme and style of your house, as well as any dietary restrictions or allergies that may be a concern. With a little creativity and imagination, you can create a beautiful and delicious gingerbread house that is perfect for the holiday season.
How do I store and preserve a gingerbread house?
To store and preserve a gingerbread house, you will need to keep it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. You can store the house in a cardboard box or other container, lined with wax paper or parchment paper to prevent it from getting damaged. It’s also a good idea to keep the house away from pets and children, who may be tempted to touch or eat it. If you plan to keep the house for an extended period of time, you can use a type of preservative, such as corn syrup or honey, to help keep it fresh.
To extend the life of the house, you can also use a type of sealant, such as varnish or shellac, to protect it from moisture and other environmental factors. However, be sure to use a food-safe sealant, as some types of varnish or shellac may not be safe for consumption. With proper storage and preservation, a gingerbread house can last for several weeks or even months, making it a beautiful and delicious holiday decoration that can be enjoyed throughout the season.
Can I make a gingerbread house with kids?
Making a gingerbread house with kids can be a fun and rewarding holiday activity that creates lasting memories and traditions. To make the experience enjoyable and successful, be sure to involve the kids in the process and let them take ownership of the project. You can start by making the gingerbread dough and cutting out the pieces of the house, and then let the kids assemble and decorate the house using icing, candy, and other edible decorations. This can be a great way to teach kids about baking, decorating, and creativity, while also spending quality time together as a family.
To make the experience even more enjoyable, you can turn making a gingerbread house into a fun and interactive game or activity. For example, you can have a contest to see who can make the most creative or elaborate house, or you can set up a “gingerbread house station” with different types of candy and decorations and let the kids create their own unique designs. With a little patience and creativity, making a gingerbread house with kids can be a fun and rewarding experience that creates lasting memories and traditions.
What are some creative ways to display a gingerbread house?
There are many creative ways to display a gingerbread house, depending on your personal style and the theme of your holiday decorations. One idea is to create a festive holiday village, with the gingerbread house as the centerpiece, surrounded by other holiday decorations, such as candles, greenery, and ornaments. You can also display the house on a decorative plate or platter, surrounded by candy, nuts, or other holiday treats. Another idea is to create a winter wonderland scene, with the gingerbread house nestled in a bed of shredded coconut or cotton balls, surrounded by small trees, animals, and other festive decorations.
To add an extra touch of magic to your display, you can use lighting, such as string lights or fairy lights, to illuminate the house and create a warm and cozy glow. You can also use other decorative elements, such as ribbons, bows, and garlands, to add color and texture to the display. With a little creativity and imagination, you can create a beautiful and festive display that showcases your gingerbread house and adds to the holiday cheer. Whether you display the house on a mantle, sideboard, or coffee table, it’s sure to be a conversation starter and a delightful holiday treat.