Gingerbread Houses

Are a big part of our holiday tradition.

Years ago we took the time to design blueprints, cut out templates, roll dough and bake the components. We created faux glass windows and set twinkle lights inside to cast a dreamy glow.

Fast Forward....to this year.

Six people, 3 kits (1 mini-village and 2 big houses assembled and dried ahead of time), 3 piping bags, lots of potential landscaping materials (pretzels, marshmallows, shredded wheat cereal, edible rocks) and a slew of gum drops and other candies.

Our creative group scored very high in originality.

We did, however, fall down in the area of execution and precision.

Here are some pictures.

The Green House featured a solar panel, garden and Prius (plugged in and getting charged).

Gum paste Santa on pretzel legs took 'a dive'.
No problem, it became a large ham in the process of being cured.
Hey, if you grow your own vegetables, it only makes sense to raise your own meats.

The Fun House has a putting green, lit walkway, shamrock over front door and a large dragon.
The gazebo took 'a dive' and became a bonfire. The gingerbread man is grilling over hot flames.
Gum paste Santa had a meltdown on the chimney and was speared and put out of his misery.

The Mini Village featured lots of water, fish, a dog and Santa who started to drown but revived

by doing the backstroke. Elsewhere the pretzel bridge collapsed and was replaced by an abominable

marshmallow snowman who was unable to forge the raging river.

By the end of the night, all our houses had a story to tell!