Making a gingerbread house has always been on my Christmas to-do list, but I’ve never mustered up the courage to try it until this year. I certainly didn’t think I should attempt anything as grand as James Morton’s Shetland inspired barn as seen in the Great British Bake Off. However, as I’m never one to do things by half measures this 11.5 inch tall house is what I came up with. This pepperkakehus recipe and template is adapted from one sent over from Norway by Bestemor (Norwegian for ‘Grandmother’) and I altered it slightly by doubling the quantities of spice and adding some Shetland seaweed, which shows up as lovely little green flecks throughout the dough. I couldn’t for the life of me find any sweets I liked to decorate the house with so I opted for piping Fair Isle knitting patterns in Royal icing instead. Inside there are two battery operated tea lights which make it look like there is a roaring, warming fire inside. All in all I think it’s pretty effective and I’m quite pleased how it has turned out. Not bad for a first attempt!
I’d like to take this opportunity to wish all my readers a most wonderful Christmas and may 2013 bring you health, happiness and good food! x
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/2 dl caster sugar
- 250 grams treacle
- 125 grams butter
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp ginger
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp cloves
- 1 tsp Shetland Seaweed Sprinkle
- 1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda
- 600 grams plain flour
- 500 grams icing sugar
- 4 egg whites
Prep time: Cook time: Total time: Yield: 1 house
As this recipe is made from scratch and contains no artificial, refined ingredients or colouring I am including it in Javelin Warrior’s Made with Love, Mondays blogger’s round up.
New Year’s Update: I am delighted to hear that I have won the gingerbread competition! Thank you to everyone who voted for me, I really do appreciate it. Lots of love xx
The Crazy Kitchen is hosting a Blog Hop featuring gingerbread houses. Do have a look-see at the lovely creations from around the world!
Edit: In December 2013 I shared this post with Jacqueline from Tinned Tomatoes and her No Croutons Required link-up as she wants to see our festive photos, and the first photo in this post is one of my favourites I have taken over the years. 🙂
Mum of three, daydream adventurer, OU Life Sciences graduate, occasional crafter, ex-pat Canadian & quite possibly Britain's most northerly food blogger.
Laura says
Having followed your blog since summer 2013 ish I decided to use the food festival ticket competition to nosey around your earlier recipes and this one is particularly amazing! So intricate and beautiful – I wish I had that skill with a piping bag!
Elizabeth says
I didn’t know I could do it either until I tried! This is my very first (and only so far!) gingerbread house! You should give it a try, you never know what you might create 🙂
Johanna GGG says
A beautiful gingerbread house – I love how you did fair aisle patterns for your decorations
Kat Buckley says
Wow, this is truely a work of art! Did you ever eat it?
Choclette says
Not bad for a first attempt? It’s absolutely marvellous. I love the fact you’ve kept it both simple and complicated in terms of decorative additions. And I love your use of seaweed. Whatever made you think of that?
Elizabeth says
Thanks 🙂 I’d recently picked up a bottle of Shetland seaweed at our local wholefoods shop and the accompanying leaflet suggested adding a spoonful into cake and biscuit baking, amongst other things. I thought the addition of locally grown seaweed would make it a uniquely Shetland gingerbread house. 🙂
Marlys Folly says
Beautiful house… Found your blog from Daily Dish Foodie Friends Friday when you entered this house there… I am one of the host. I did enter mine here on your page – although nothing compared to yours … This is the first year that I made a gingerbread house in many years. Newest follower. http://marlys-thisandthat.blogspot.com
Coombe Mill says
That is just too perfect for words!
Emily Foran says
Wow – seriously envious of your piping talent! xx
Claire V says
That’s amazing! I love the piping.
Julia says
Amazing Elizabeth! Absolutely fabulous – will you be able to eat it?
Elizabeth says
The children are certainly keen to try! I don’t know what happens to a gingerbread house over time – is it edible? I baked the scraps yesterday and the kids devoured them with glee after decorating them, so I know the taste is acceptable (fantastic! says the eldest).
carolefindsherwings says
That is stunning! You have a very steady hand – whenever I try to pipe icing it’s all wibbly.
Javelin Warrior says
Oh. OH. OHHHHH! Wow! You’ve outdone yourself and such a beautiful design. And the piped royal icing is amazing. I’m in awe of you – and your FIRST attempt, no less… Thank you so much for sharing and what a knock-out!
jenny says
Oh my goodness, it’s beautiful!
Janice Pattie says
Stuff James’s Shetland Barn this is outstanding! You clever thing, love the nordic decoration.
helen says
omg that is AMAZING!! I would love to attempt something like that but I really don’t think I would have the patience, let alone the skill!
Thanks for linking up.
cakesphotoslife says
That’s beautiful thank you for linking please don’t forget to add it to the facebook page for a chance to win an airbrush kit from dinkydoodle designs x
http://www.facebook.com/cakesphotoslife, good luck x
Codec says
I think you’ve surpassed yourself!!!!