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Did you ever make a Gingerbread house from a kit?

18 years ago

Are those gingerbread house kits that I see in WalMart hard to do?

Would appreciate your comment on making these. Thanks for your time and have a nice evening.

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Comments (14)

khandi
18 years ago
I just bought one for my daughter to make from WalMart too. We haven't made it yet so don't know what it's like. Not sure how long in advance to make it.
cathyid
18 years ago
I have lots of experience with the kits. I have a large family of grandkis and now great-grands. We have a family Gingerbread House contest every year. They can be messy, if you are making them with kids, but one-on-one it can be controlled OK. I put a tarp down on the floor and then paper(newspaper rollends)on the table to contain it. You will probably want a bigger selection of colored icing than what comes in the kits. Not all have any icing actually. I buy several bags of small candies, small size wheat chex, and what ever looks interesting so there is plenty of choice. I put out a few wet cloths, to wipe your hands with and you're in business. The most time, will be to assemble the house. Don't skimp on the icing, as it is the glue holding it together.Have fun, and don't stress. We even have the dad's making them now, and they get a huge kickout of it.
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gabriell_gw
18 years ago
I buy a kit every year.The one from Walmart has to be assembled, my sister bought one also. I buy one at Lenins and Things. Their kits are made by Wilton and the last few years they come already a unit. That is so much easier.Good luck if this is your first time. It takes some patience but my granddaughter loves doing it and did the entire thing by herself this year.
proudmamato4
18 years ago
This will be our 4th year. The only complaint I've had is the frosting mix is so stiff, and there's never enough. Now I make my own, it's easy enough, and discard what comes with the kit. My four kids LOVE decorating these!
annie1992
18 years ago
Oh sure. I got one from Compumom last year and assembled it with my (then) 3 year old granddaughter.

It's a lot easier than baking my own, which I always did with my girls. They won't be perfect, but mine turned out pretty darned cute. I'll try to post a picture tonight, my office computer blocks Photobucket so I can't post from work.

Annie
khandi
18 years ago
Proudmamato4 - can you post your recipe for the frosting just in case I need to make extra. Thanks a bunch!
Solsthumper
18 years ago
I never thought to buy a kit. But I find that designing a little GB house is fairly easy, and it always brings out the 6 year old in me.

All that's required is posterboard, x-acto knife and a ruler. And you can design it any way you like. The recipes are also simple.
But, if time is of the essence, then a kit would definitely be the way to go.

Sol
proudmamato4
18 years ago
Khandi,
This is the basic recipe I use for Royal Icing, but I don't have Wilton-brand meringue powder.

Royal Icing

This smooth, hard-drying icing is perfect for making decorations that last. It is also useful as a "cement" to fasten decorations together. Royal icing is edible, but not recommended for icing cakes.

Ingredients:
3 Tablespoons Wilton Meringue Powder
1 lb. (4 cups) confectioners' sugar (about 1lb.)
6 Tablespoons warm water*
Beat all ingredients until icing forms peaks (7-10 minutes at low speed with a heavy-duty mixer, 10-12 minutes at high speed with a hand-held mixer). Recipe makes 3 cups.

NOTE: Keep all utensils completely grease-free for proper icing consistency.

* For stiffer icing, use 1 tablespoon less water.

**When using large countertop mixer or for stiffer icing, use 1 tablespoon less water.

Thinned Royal Icing: To thin for pouring, add 1 teaspoon water per cup of royal icing. Use grease-free spoon or spatula to stir slowly. Add Â½ teaspoon water at a time until you reach proper consistency.
jcrowley99
18 years ago
We used to make one of these kits each year, got our at Wilton. You will probably need extra icing, there is never enough. You will also want to get some extra candy for decorations, unless you like the minimalist look. My son always thought the more candy on it the better! They are pretty easy to assemble. After putting the walls up you can tie a piece of twine around it and let it dry for a while if they don't seem sturdy. Have fun!
heidiho
Original Author
18 years ago
Thanks to all of you for all the info. I'm going to do it! I've already told all the grandkids and greats so it's too late to back out now. I think it'll work out ok thanks to all of you. About that Royal Icing, what do I substitute for the Wilton brand meringue powder?
jcrowley99
18 years ago
You can make this icing white egg whites, that is what the meringue powder replaces. I prefer to use the powder, it is easier to use and, I think, safer. You can try using pasturized egg whites. I would try to find meringue powder, it does not have to be Wilton brand, other companies make it. If you have any specialty cooking shops near you you might call to see if they carry it.
granjan
18 years ago
I have always found that it is easier to assemble the house the day before, especially if you have little ones doing the decorating. Tying the walls together helps but it roof slide that has always caused my problems!

I always use my own frosting for the decorating. And I always buy prettier candy than comes in the kit. And you really need a board or something for each one because they will want to do trees and walks and fences.
Terri_PacNW
18 years ago
I have a stoneware mold from Pampered Chef..I used to make a house every year..haven't for quite a few years..but this year..I'll make one..and then let the kids loose on it(much like the Christmas Tree and Outdoor lights~they both look like kids did it..and they did!~I'm letting go. teehee)..Actually I may make two...so that our company on decorating day, can take one home too...
beanthere_dunthat
18 years ago
I'm starting to feel deprived! Am I the only person who has NEVER made a gingerbread house? *sniff*

There is a county wide contest of them here this week. I wish it pics were on-line so you could see them. Some are absolutely amazing!

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