And now for a few cheater tips of my own for those who need to get in and out fast, especially if you're working with young children.
1. Make a kit your own. A serrated knife is great for sawing through pieces of hard gingerbread parts. I've used long expired, clearance sale kits to cut and reassemble into new creations.
2. The melted sugar technique on youtube for gingerbread assembly really works! Spread out regular white sugar on a flat bottomed pan over medium heat. Stir/mix until it becomes liquid, and watch the temperature - it can burn or harden (cool) quickly. Dip your gingerbread edge and hold in place. It only takes a few seconds for it to cool and harden. And, the melted sugar is brown, practically the color of the gingerbread itself!
3. Love delicate white icing details but find it difficult to master? Try cookie icing on flat pieces before they are assembled. Experiment with microwaving it until you get a consistency that will work best for you, and be sure to let it dry completely. To fill in an area, trace it first and then "flood" it with the icing and it will dry smooth.
Share your gingerbread house creations on Facebook with hashtag: #woodatevergreen
Carolyn Venne, Executive Director
