Building a gingerbread house is a delightful holiday tradition that brings joy to both kids and adults. If you're looking for a fun and creative activity to do with your family or friends this year, why not try making a gingerbread house using graham crackers? This simplified version of a classic gingerbread house is not only easier to assemble but also just as delicious! In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of building a gingerbread house with graham crackers.
Gather Your Ingredients and Supplies
Before you begin constructing your gingerbread house, it's important to gather all the necessary ingredients and supplies. Here's a list of what you'll need:
Ingredients:
- Graham crackers
- Icing or royal icing
- Candy decorations (e.g., gumdrops, candy canes, chocolate chips)
Supplies:
- Large cutting board or cardboard base
- Sharp knife
- Piping bags or ziplock bags with the corner cut off
- Decorating tips (optional)
- Plastic wrap
Prepare the Icing
The icing serves as the "glue" that holds the graham crackers together. You can either use store-bought icing or make your own royal icing. If you choose to make your own, you will need the following ingredients:
- 3 egg whites
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
To prepare the royal icing, follow these steps:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk the egg whites until frothy.
- Add the powdered sugar gradually, whisking after each addition.
- Whisk in the cream of tartar and continue whisking until the icing becomes stiff and glossy.
- Transfer the icing to a piping bag or a ziplock bag with the corner cut off.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap to prevent the icing from drying out.
Construct the Walls
Using the sharp knife, trim two of the graham crackers into rectangles to serve as the front and back walls of your gingerbread house. Trim the other two graham crackers into triangles to form the roof. Make sure the triangles are equal in size and have a peak at the top.
Now it's time to assemble the walls. Apply a generous amount of icing along the bottom edge of one of the rectangles. Attach it to the cutting board or cardboard base, pressing gently to ensure it sticks. Repeat this step with the other rectangle, positioning it parallel to the first one and leaving a gap for the entrance.
Next, take one of the triangular graham crackers and apply icing along the bottom edge. Attach it to the top of one of the rectangles, making sure the peak is centered. Repeat this step with the remaining triangle, attaching it to the other rectangle.
Add the Roof and Decorate
Once the walls are secure, it's time to add the roof. Apply a generous amount of icing along the top edges of the walls. Carefully place one of the triangles on top of the icing, ensuring it aligns with the edges of the walls. Repeat this step with the other triangle, completing the roof.
Now comes the fun part – decorating your gingerbread house! Use the icing and candy decorations to create a festive and colorful design. Let your imagination run wild as you add windows, doors, shingles, and any other details you desire. The icing will act as the adhesive for attaching the candies to the graham crackers.
Let Your Gingerbread House Set
After you've finished decorating, allow your gingerbread house to set for at least one hour. This will give the icing enough time to harden and ensure that your creation stays intact. Once the icing has hardened, your gingerbread house is ready to be displayed and enjoyed!
Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks to help you create a beautiful gingerbread house:
- Use a serrated knife to easily cut the graham crackers without breaking them.
- If the icing becomes too thick, add a few drops of water to thin it out. Conversely, if it's too thin, add more powdered sugar.
- Experiment with different candy decorations to personalize your gingerbread house.
- If you're feeling adventurous, try adding a chimney or a pathway made of crushed graham crackers.
- Don't be afraid to make mistakes – gingerbread houses are meant to be fun and whimsical!
Building a gingerbread house with graham crackers is a delightful and tasty way to get into the holiday spirit. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, this simplified version is sure to bring joy and laughter to everyone involved. So gather your ingredients, unleash your creativity, and enjoy the sweet satisfaction of building your very own gingerbread house!