In the 19th century the Brothers Grimm told the tale of two lost children who came across a gingerbread house in the woods. And ever since then, the story of Hansel and Gretel and the amazing gingerbread house has captured the imaginations – and the kitchens – of families everywhere.
Gingerbread houses are most popular in Europe and America, where people compete to create the most incredible houses possible. But you don’t have to be a prize-winning baker to make your own beautiful and delicious gingerbread house.
Gingerbread can be made with basic cake ingredients – flour, butter, sugar, eggs, golden syrup, and of course ginger – and it’s easy to find step-by-step recipes in cookbooks or online. And once the gingerbread is done, the fun begins. Stick the walls and roof together with icing sugar, then let your imagination run wild!
Kids especially will love the opportunity to decorate their gingerbread house. Smartie roof tiles, icing sugar snow or jellybean doors are just some ideas to get you started.
Once your gingerbread house is done, you can use it as a stunning centrepiece on your Christmas table. Or you can give it to a loved one, as a beautiful and unique gift. Whatever you do, make sure you’re there to sample all your hard work!