Christmas Gingerbread House Challenge

Everyone needs a night out without kids. Sowhy not set up a night, ask a few friends to join the challenge and each make their houses. Offer a special signature drink (see signature drinks on the site). I will be putting up a few ideas for nibblies and such.  Anyone game? The proof must be you putting your pictures on the site so one and all can enjoy them. Any questions? I will be adding things as we go along for the evening to share with friends.

It takes: 1 cup soft butter and 1 cup granulated sugar. Cream these together until very light and fluffy and add

2 eggs and 1 1/4 cup blackstrap molasses, mixing until well blended.

By hand, using a wooden spoon, gradually add 6 cups of flour, 2 tsp. ground ginger,

1 tsp each of baking soda, salt, ground cloves and ground cinnamon. You will also have to mix this together with your hands.

Cut dough into 4 discs, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 1/2 hours (must be firm).

Prepare your cut outs for the house, label each section. It can be ANY design. Whatever you choose.

Between sheets of parchment paper, roll out each disc to 1/4 inch thickness. Re move top paper and lay out your house pattern. Using a sharp knife, trace the shapes and cut out. Freeze on a cookie sheet (still on the paper) for about 30-35 minutes.

Line your cookie sheets with parchment paper and bake in a 325 degree oven for about 13-15 minutes until golden and firm to the touch. Place on cooling rack and cool completely.

Royal Icing (glue for house)

1 pound of icing sugar

1/4 tsp of cream of tartar

3 egg whites

1 tsp. glygerin to prevent icing from becoming too hard.

Beat slowly until icing is smooth and stands in firm peaks, Put icing in a pastry bag to put the house together.

Candies and licorice bit, strings, chocolate wafers, smarties, popcorn (snow), whatever you want to put on the cake. Get it all in the bulk section. You will need lots and lots.