A festive holiday board with gingerbread panels, candies, and sweet decorations for interactive fun and enjoyment.
# What you'll need:
→ Gingerbread House Pieces
01 - 3 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 3/4 cup brown sugar
03 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
04 - 2/3 cup molasses
05 - 1 large egg
06 - 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
07 - 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
08 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
09 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
10 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Royal Icing (for glue)
11 - 2 large egg whites
12 - 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
13 - 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
→ Decorations & Candy
14 - 1 cup mini marshmallows
15 - 1 cup assorted gumdrops
16 - 1 cup crushed or mini whole candy canes
17 - 1 cup chocolate buttons or M&Ms
18 - 1 cup peppermint candies
19 - 1 cup jelly beans
20 - 1/2 cup pretzel sticks
21 - Assorted sprinkles
22 - Edible glitter (optional)
→ Extras
23 - 1/2 cup shredded coconut (for snow effect)
24 - 1 cup fresh berries (optional)
# How to make it:
01 - Cream together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add molasses and egg, mixing well. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet until dough forms. Divide dough in half, flatten into discs, wrap, and chill at least 1 hour.
02 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Roll dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut panels using templates or cookie cutters and place on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake 12 to 15 minutes until firm. Cool completely.
03 - Beat egg whites and cream of tartar until foamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until stiff peaks form. Transfer to piping bag.
04 - Place gingerbread pieces, candies, and decorations on a large board or platter. Provide bowls of icing and piping bags or spatulas nearby.
05 - Invite participants to build and decorate mini gingerbread houses using pieces, royal icing, and candies as desired.
06 - Sprinkle shredded coconut over the board for a snow effect. Add fresh berries for color, if using.
07 - Present as a festive centerpiece and enjoy as a holiday treat.
