Are you planning to build a gingerbread house this holiday season? You’ll need a strong and sticky glue to hold the walls and roof together. But don’t worry, making your own gingerbread house glue is easy and fun! In this article, we’ll share our favorite recipe for gingerbread house glue and all the tips and tricks you need to make the perfect glue for your sweet creation.
Ingredients
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup meringue powder
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1/2 tsp cream of tartar
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the powdered sugar and meringue powder.
- Add the warm water and cream of tartar and beat with an electric mixer on low speed until smooth and glossy.
- Increase the speed to high and beat for 5-7 minutes until the mixture forms stiff peaks.
- Transfer the glue to a plastic piping bag or a plastic squeeze bottle for easy use.
Nutritional Information
One serving of gingerbread house glue (1/4 cup) contains:
- Calories: 280
- Total Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 110mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 70g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 70g
- Protein: 2g
Cooking Time
The total time to make gingerbread house glue is about 20 minutes, including preparation and mixing time.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Sifter
- Plastic piping bag or squeeze bottle
Serving Suggestions
Gingerbread house glue is not meant for eating, but it’s an essential ingredient for building a sturdy and beautiful gingerbread house. Use it to glue the walls and roof together, as well as any decorations and candies.
Variations
You can add food coloring to the gingerbread house glue to match the color scheme of your gingerbread house. Use gel food coloring for best results, and add a few drops at a time until you reach the desired color.
Substitutions
If you don’t have meringue powder, you can use egg whites instead. However, keep in mind that raw egg whites can pose a risk of salmonella, so use pasteurized egg whites or heat the egg whites to 160°F before using them in the recipe.
Storage
Gingerbread house glue can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. If the glue becomes too thick or hard, you can thin it out with a few drops of warm water and mix it well.
Tips
- Make sure all your tools and equipment are clean and dry before mixing the gingerbread house glue.
- Use warm water to help dissolve the sugar and meringue powder.
- Beat the glue until it forms stiff peaks, but be careful not to overbeat it, or it will become too dry and crumbly.
- If the glue is too thick, add a few drops of water at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.
Notes
Gingerbread house glue can be tricky to work with, especially if you’re building a large and complex gingerbread house. Make sure to have plenty of patience and a steady hand, and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular glue instead of gingerbread house glue?
No, regular glue is not food safe and can be toxic if ingested. Gingerbread house glue is specifically designed for edible use and is made with safe and natural ingredients.
Can I make gingerbread house glue without meringue powder?
Yes, you can use egg whites instead of meringue powder, but make sure to use pasteurized egg whites or heat the egg whites to 160°F before using them in the recipe.
Can I store leftover gingerbread house glue?
Yes, you can store gingerbread house glue in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. If the glue becomes too thick or hard, you can thin it out with a few drops of warm water and mix it well.
Personal Thoughts
Making gingerbread house glue is one of my favorite parts of building a gingerbread house. It’s a simple recipe that requires only a few ingredients, but the end result is a strong and delicious glue that holds everything together. I love how versatile gingerbread house glue is, and how you can customize it with food coloring and different flavors. If you’re planning to build a gingerbread house this year, I highly recommend making your own gingerbread house glue. It’s a fun and rewarding experience that will make your gingerbread house even more special.