Gingerbread Houses creative-edible fun!

Gingerbread cookies

Gingerbread is a centuries old Christmas treat first appearing in central Europe in the Middle Ages.The spices brought back from the Middle East during the Crusades were combined with sugar and local spices to create the delicious, aromatic and tasty treat. The preservative qualities of ginger helped build the popularity of this spice as well. In the 19th century, gingerbread treats became associated with Christmas. Gingerbread cookies became part of Eastern European celebrations and tradition for centuries but it was the inspiration of a children's tale,  "Hansel and Gretel" that brought to iife the Gingerbread House- a house for nibbling at- "knuspenhaeuschen".

Before commercial candy was so easily available, stencils were used to gild the house- today young artists can adorn their creations with a variety of chocolates, sugar candies and brightly colored favorites-customizing their gingerbread house to their personal taste.

In Colonial America recipes for gingerbread varied from region to region and recipes included local ingredients like maple syrup molasses or sorghum molasses. The hard style cookie became a household favorite with the development of tin cookie cutters which allowed the dough to be shaped into more elaborate figures which were used to adorn the Christmas tree. Birds, animals, stars and later Christmas symbols like elves, Santa and snowmen were baked, decorated and enjoyed during the holiday season.

Gingerbread Houses are built from thin pieces of gingerbread making up each part of the house. The pieces are held together with stiff royal icing and adorned with any number of treats. The art of gingerbread house making has rivaled the tradition, with competition and showpiece houses that highlight culinary techniques becoming as popular as the more simple home decorated version. Even non bakers can create a holiday masterpiece from pre baked-complete kits like the ones available at our shop.

Why has the tradition of gingerbread houses remained so popular? Simply...it's fun! Creating an edible showpiece covered with festive color and customized with personal design and taste adds a sparkle to long winter days.

Yellow Cottage has selected a complete gingerbread house kit perfect for the first timer or entertaining kids during the holiday season. The kit comes with pre-cut "building" materials, royal icing, candy and character cookies. The house is easy to assemble and fun for all ages. Kits are available only for a limited time and make a great gift or winter break project for the whole family.