|
|
|
The first year I got a bit carried away and decided to create a gingerbread mansion. It was a couple of stories high and had wings and high pitched roofs. I designed it from scratch and made templates for all the pieces walls and roof pieces. I even added a couple of chimneys.
The second year I wised up and made something a bit more traditional. In the end, Athena and I had more time for decorating the cottage with various candies so that it looked almost as impressive as the mansion I first built.
A couple of tips from one who has learned. Be sure to use a recipe that is created specifically for building (which is different from recipes for cookies and cake). Regardless, gingerbread does not cool in the exact shape you cut out. That is the reason why they are usually covered with icing - to hide all the imperfections. Have plenty of icing on hand and it is best if you have four hands working on the house to assemble it.
Athena and I have a terrific time on our yearly project. We labor together making the dough, cutting out the pieces and putting our masterpiece together. We listen to music and chat for hours as we place M&Ms on the roof and mints on the sides of the house.
This is one tradition I hope we continue until our hands are no longer able to hold steady. It fills our life with warmth, happiness and a true sense of family (not to mention great aromas). Perhaps the highlight of our experience is when the house is complete and we then share it with others.
One final tip. When your sweetheart isn't looking, hide a small gift inside the gingerbread house before you seal up the walls. It will be a great discovery when your love begins munching on the architectural delight.
Michael Webb is author of The RoMANtic's Guide: Hundreds of Creative Tips for a Lifetime of Love. You can order at Amazon.com or for more of Michael's FREE tips, visit www.TheRomantic.com
Sign up for our free eNewsletter Dollar Stretcher for Parents.
Looking for an answer to a frugal living question? Click here to ask a Dollar Stretcher Stretchpert!
To subscribe, check the newsletters you wish to receive, enter your email address and then click Subscribe.
Each month one TDS reader will win $100 just for telling us your favorite time or money saving idea. It could be you!
Click here to share your idea.
Recent winners are:
- Michelle from NC
- Matt from CO
- Joan from CT
- Joanne in New York
|
Money problems? Struggling with credit card debt? What you need to know about bankruptcy? Trouble repaying student loans?
|
Copyright 1996 - 2012 "The Dollar Stretcher, Inc." All rights reserved unless specifically noted.
Contact the Dollar Stretcher at:
Dollar Stretcher
PO Box 14160
Bradenton FL 34280
Voice 941-761-7805
Fax 941-761-8301
"The Dollar Stretcher, Inc." does not assume responsibility for advice given. All advice should be weighed against your own abilities and circumstances and applied accordingly. It is up to the reader to determine if advice is safe and suitable for their own situation.
| About Us | Privacy Policy | Writer's Guidelines | Sponsorship | Media | Contact Us |
Dollar Stretcher Community
Forums
Blogs
Also In This Week's Issue
In The Dollar Stretcher Community
Reader Favorites
Newsletters
Email
Print
Contact Editor
RSS Feed
Share
Leave a Comment
