Gingerbread houses are a fun holiday tradition that can be enjoyed by adults and kids alike. But what makes a gingerbread house truly magical is the icing that holds it all together. In this article, we’ll explore the different types of icing that you can use to create a beautiful and sturdy gingerbread house that will be the envy of your neighborhood.
Ingredients:
- 3 egg whites (room temperature)
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 4 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar on high speed until stiff peaks form.
- Add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, and continue beating until the icing is thick and glossy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- If the icing is too thick, add a few drops of water to thin it out. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
- Transfer the icing to a piping bag or a plastic bag with the corner snipped off.
- Use the icing to decorate your gingerbread house as desired.
Nutritional Information:
Serving size: 1 tablespoon
Calories: 50
Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 13g
Protein: 0g
Cooking Time:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Equipment:
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Piping bag or plastic bag
Serving Suggestions:
Use the icing to decorate your gingerbread house, gingerbread cookies, or any other holiday treat.
Variations:
You can add food coloring to the icing to create different colors for your decorations.
Substitutions:
- You can use lemon juice or vinegar instead of cream of tartar.
- Vanilla extract can be substituted with other flavors such as almond or peppermint.
Storage:
The icing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Before using, let the icing come to room temperature and give it a quick stir.
Tips:
- Make sure to sift the powdered sugar to prevent lumps in the icing.
- Use a damp cloth to wipe any excess icing off your decorating tools.
- Decorate your gingerbread house on a flat surface to prevent it from tipping over.
Notes:
This recipe makes enough icing to decorate one small gingerbread house or a dozen gingerbread cookies.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use store-bought icing for my gingerbread house?
- Can I use royal icing instead of this recipe?
Yes, you can. However, homemade icing tends to be stronger and more durable, making it better suited for gingerbread house construction.
Yes, you can. Royal icing is another popular choice for gingerbread houses and can be made by mixing egg whites, powdered sugar, and lemon juice together.
Personal Thoughts:
Creating a gingerbread house is a fun and festive way to celebrate the holiday season, and the icing is the glue that holds it all together. This recipe for icing is easy to make and provides a strong and sturdy hold for your gingerbread house. You can also use it to decorate gingerbread cookies or any other holiday treat. So why not give it a try and see what kind of magical creations you can come up with?