German Club Makes Gingerbread Houses

The German club took part in Gingerbread house making for the recent holiday season.  This event took place on 21 December 2016.

One may not be aware of the history of gingerbread houses. The edible mock houses one  sees today originated in Germany due to the popular tale, Hansel and Gretel.

However, gingerbread being shaped into other forms dates back to monks doing so in Franconia. The popularization of gingerbread houses stems from the Grimm’s 1812 fairy tale, Hansel and Gretel.

Ever since the publication of the children’s book, gingerbread house construction has become a tradition for many.  According to Food Network, one should do a multitude of steps. One should cream butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, molasses, baking soda, cloves, and, of course, ginger.  

After then blending in water and flour, chill for approximately thirty minutes. When done with the mixing, preheat the oven to 375 degrees fahrenheit.

Then, cut out paper patterns to fit the gingerbread template. Cut out pieces to make up the walls of the house, the base, the roof line, and any other ad ons one feels the need to add.

Once completed with the paper patterns, roll out the gingerbread dough onto a pan. Place the paper patterns onto the dough and cut around them with a knife.

Bake the newly cut out dough patterns at about 375 degrees for fifteen minutes or until the dough feels firm.

After the dough is out of the oven, let the gingerbread cool. Once cool, use royal icing to decorate the gingerbread. Make houses, doors, and/or any other decorations one deems fit.

Finally, glue the house together using the leftover icing.