Every year, Smilebox’s very own Program Manager Ann creates magnificent gingerbread creations that she designs, bakes, and builds from scratch. This year’s creation was a holiday train, complete with Santa Claus himself!
Ann was kind enough to answer some questions about her gingerbread-making process, so read on and check out her masterpieces in the slideshows below.
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How long did the construction take?
15-20 hours. In past years it’s taken more. What was the most difficult part? Every year I try something new – a different challenge. That’s the most difficult part. This year I tried baking curved gingerbread. It took 4 tries until I got a barrel that would work. |
Past gingerbread creations
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Do you make them yourself or do they come in a kit?
I make them myself. I start by planning how they, will look on the computer (each side and an aerial view). From that, I make a pattern and mock them up with cardboard. I use the pattern to cut out the gingerbread pieces and then I assemble them all with royal icing. How many years have you been making gingerbread houses? I’ve been making gingerbread house for nine years. I make one every Christmas… It’s become a family tradition! Can you eat them? Yes, my houses are edible (except the lighting and the base). Although, they don’t taste very good and you’d probably break your teeth eating the gingerbread. It’s a very different recipe from the cookie version of gingerbread. What do you do with them when Christmas is over? I tried saving them from year to year, but the royal icing I use as glue dries out and they fall apart. So now I let my boys knock them down. They have a great time doing it. |
6 Comments
this is very beautiful,Awesome.this is very creativeand very time consuming and requires a lot of patience !well done,very excellent jobwhat a blessing this was to me Thank you Alicia.God Bless you!
What a wonderfultalent you have not only making the gingerbread Christmas houses and what a wonderful train you made this year. I really enjoyed viewing your creations and the beautiful music you added to your slide creations. Thank you for letting us enjoy your creations. Hope to see your next creation for 2010.
I thought that was just fantastic! I would love to get the recipe for that gingerbread.
It was beautiful!
This is awesome…
Ann I think you are a talented lady, just wonderful, especially the train. Such a lot of work and patience has gone into making it. A delight to watch you put it all together.
Thanks Gwen NZ
Very nicely done….you did a very good job on all of them..thought about trying a kit and see how it goes..They do look like they are alot of fun to do…Keep up the good work on them….