Gingerbread Houses

I am going to be completely honest and say that I often dread making gingerbread houses. It is often a messy tradition and I usually end up building three houses (mine and my two boys). But this year I was actually excited. Our good friends, the Haws family, were coming to make gingerbread houses with us. And the evening did not disappoint. Mark was big enough to design his own while I just helped a little with the construction and Randy helped Dax. I was very impressed with how well all the children built their houses and there was hardly any mess. It was nice to have someone to share it with this year and we had a ton of fun! Each house turned out so unique and the kids enjoyed jumping off the couch for the last 30 minutes while the grown-ups chatted. It was a great night and we hope to do it again next year! I have included the icing cement recipe I use (I got it from Randy's sister) in case anyone wants to use it. It sets up very quickly which is important in building gingerbread houses and it is really easy to make.

Icing Cement
3 egg whites
1/4 tsp. cream of tartar
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Beat egg whites until stiff (about 2-3 minutes). Add cream of tartar and powdered sugar a little bit at a time (I usually add the cream of tartar and about a cup of powdered sugar and beat that all up, then add another cup and so on). Beat until stiff. Use immediately or store covered with a damp cloth.

Dax with his rambler style gingerbread house (the roof only caved in 3 times).

Mark's A-frame gingerbread house.

Lucy with her trendy apartment including balcony.

Norah and Mandy's fully landscaped cottage.

Millie and Zach's bell tower.

Benny's southwestern motif! I wish you could see his car, but it's parked in the back.