Ask A DFW Expert: Tips For Building Gingerbread Houses
Barbara Owen makes a lot of cookies and cakes at her bakery, and making gingerbread houses is something that comes natural. In fact, she won a medal for one of her houses recently. While she makes them professionally, she believes anyone can do it, and that making gingerbread houses is a great family activity.
Barbara Owen
Barbara's Cake and Cookie Boutique
421 W. Main St.
Grand Prairie, Texas 75050
(972) 262-1907
www.barbarasbakeryboutique.comBarbara's Cake and Cookie Boutique has been in business in Grand Prairie for many years. In fact, they are celebrating their 20th year of bringing delicious baked goods to the Dallas and Forth Worth area. They won the Top 5 Dallas A-List "Best Dessert" award in both 2013 and 2015. During 2013, she also won a Dallas Talk of the Town 4-star rating and an award for the best booth at the Taste of Grand Prairie event. Now Barbara presents some of her top tips for making great-looking gingerbread houses that will be sure to become a family tradition for many years to come.
Barbara's Cake and Cookie Boutique
421 W. Main St.
Grand Prairie, Texas 75050
(972) 262-1907
www.barbarasbakeryboutique.comBarbara's Cake and Cookie Boutique has been in business in Grand Prairie for many years. In fact, they are celebrating their 20th year of bringing delicious baked goods to the Dallas and Forth Worth area. They won the Top 5 Dallas A-List "Best Dessert" award in both 2013 and 2015. During 2013, she also won a Dallas Talk of the Town 4-star rating and an award for the best booth at the Taste of Grand Prairie event. Now Barbara presents some of her top tips for making great-looking gingerbread houses that will be sure to become a family tradition for many years to come.
Items needed:
- Ginger bread mix
- Wax paper
- Royal frosting
- Meringue powder mix
- A damp towel
- Various candies (gumdrops, candy fruit slices, ice cream cones, wrapped hard candies)
Tip 1: Getting The GingerbreadBarbara Owens makes her own of course, and she said that is not too hard to do. However, for a family project, it is often easier to just buy a box of gingerbread mix. Follow the instructions on the box for making gingerbread men, and use that to make the house.
Tip 2: Other Preparations"You will need a pattern for the sides, ends and roof. Make two pieces of each. Draw these out on wax paper and determine the size you want. Owens says to not try to make too big of a house in order to avoid having it sag or crumble."
Tip 3: Preparing The Bread"Once you have your mix, roll it out onto the wax paper. You may buy patterns at a craft store, or just measure carefully and cut out your walls. Make sure the sides do not touch because they will get bigger in the oven. Prick small holes on the gingerbread before baking to keep it from swelling up too much. Bake the mixture at 300 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Let it cool for a couple of hours, or overnight, until the bread gets a little firm."
Tip 4: Constructing The House"Use royal frosting only to glue the house together, connecting the walls first and then the roof. Frosting containing butter cream will compromise the integrity of the building. I use a meringue powder mix; follow the directions on the box for mixing. This frosting dries hard, so keep it covered with a damp towel until you are finished. Avoid the temptation to eat the frosting as it tastes great."
Tip 5: Decorating The House"Use your imagination when decorating. Use gumdrops, fruit candy slices, wrapped candy canes and any kind or color of wrapped hard candy. Do not use unwrapped candy. It will melt and make a mess. Use the meringue mix to decorate the roof, and other areas of the house. It is safe to use after the bread has hardened to some degree."
Related: Best Chocolate Shops In DFW
To read more from Examiner, visit Examiner.com.
