1. Gingerbread cut into sides and roof pieces
2. Royal icing
3. Decorations

1. Start with a sturdy base, such as a platter or cookie sheet. Cover the base with aluminum foil that you can affix decorations to.
2. Use juice cans of various sizes to prop up the sides of the gingerbread house while you are waiting for the royal icing to set.
3. Keep the royal icing covered while working so that it doesn't dry out.

1. Use Necco wafers for roofing shingles.
2. Cover the foil base with frosting and coconut foe snowing.
3. Ice cream cones can be inverted and coated with green tinted royal icing for Christmas trees.
4. Pretzel sticks can be made into split rail fences.

How to Make Gingerbread

1. In a large mixing bowl, sift or whisk together the flour, salt, baking soda and spices. Set this bowl aside.
2. In the bowl of a heavy duty mixer, cream the butter and sugar until fluffy.
3. Add the egg and molasses until combined.
4. Gradually add the flour mixture until fully incorporated.
5. Divide the dough in four pieces.
6. Wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 2 hours.
7. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
8. Line cookie sheet with parchment paper.
9. Roll out the chilled dough to approximately 1/4 inch thick on a flat surface lightly dusted with flour.
10. Cut out the dough using your gingerbread house template
11. Place the house pieces on the cookie sheet.
12. Bake the pieces in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes depending on their size.
    • The pieces are done with the edges begin to brown.
13. Remove from the oven and cool on a rack for approximately 2 hours before assembling.