Traditions- Houses

Every Winter we make 'Gingerbread' houses.
Yes, we cheat, we use graham crackers. It is much easier.

Grab a box of graham crackers, some candy, noodles, pretzels, beans... and whip up a batch of 'glue' icing and you'll be set.

Let your kids use their imaginations.
Ice cream cones make great trees.
Coconut flakes and a few drops of green icing mixed in a baggie create fun looking bushes or an evergreen tree.

Sugar cubes can be used to make igloos.

Display your creations on cake stands (or on upside down bowls), add a strand of light a little tulle, and you've got a beautiful winter display.


'Glue' Icing (aka Royal Icing)
3 Egg Whites, room temperature
1/2 tsp cream of tartar
1# Powdered Sugar

*Whip on high for 7- 10 minutes or until fluffy and white. Fill baggies or decorator bags with icing to apply. Keep icing covered with a damp towel to prevent it from drying out. Store extra icing in a Tupperware in the refrigerator with a damp paper towel directly on top of the icing.

TIPS

• Build the walls, let sit for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
  
• Add roof, let sit for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Following these tow steps will give the icing time to harden, creating a solid foundation for your children to build on.
• Build a simple house for your younger children and let them decorate.
• Build the houses on cardboard. It is stronger than a paper plate.
• Anything edible is game to use.