Gingerbread houses

[xmyboys]

Ok, I know it's early but trying to get organised! Would like to make one this year with 5yo.

Tell me everything and anything you know....thanks in advance.

Hi, Aldi did kits last year, i will keep my eye out and report back when I see them in again.

Lakeland do one. I've never done it though.

We did one a few years ago. It looked very pretty but was inedible. The sweets turned yucky and the gingerbread was...hmm.

I make my own gingerbread and use a downloaded template but it will be inedible unless it is kept air tight [I use plastic wrap from a florist]

yay! great fun, I've done a few.

BBC recipe is what I use.
www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/2576/gingerbread-cookie-cottage

Things I've found:

1. Wait til completely cold before trying to assemble (otherwise the pieces are still a bit bendy/prone to break)
2. Re-cut the edges to make them dead straight after baking (as the pieces expand a bit during baking)
3. Prop the house up while the icing is drying as it's quite tricky to assemble and stop it collapsing
4. It does feed quite a few and does go dry in a few days

Have fun!

Ikea do one which is cheap and looks good. It will not look good after my 1 year old has 'helped' assemble it though.

I wouldn't bother with the kits from Aldi, Ikea etc as in my experience the pieces are all smashed up when you get home! Used a Dr Oetker one last year which was very quick but lacked personality if you get what I mean. Not made one from scratch yet but hope to this year.