Create a durable gingerbread house

FALLBROOK – Gingerbread cookies and houses are one of the many symbols of the holiday season, alongside Christmas trees and twinkling lights. In fact, few confections symbolize the holidays more so than gingerbread.

Many a child, or a child at heart, has spent hours carefully trying to create decorative gingerbread houses. Although gingerbread recipes span various cultures, gingerbread houses originated in 16th century Germany. The fairy tale "Hansel and Gretel" helped solidify the popularity of gingerbread, which became part of Christmas traditions.

Even though gingerbread houses can be fun to make, there's no denying it can be exacting work – especially for those who strive for perfection. Prepackaged kits attempt to take some of the guesswork out of the equation, but those who are crafting from scratch can employ these tips as they build their gingerbread houses.

First, go for form and not flavor. Few gingerbread houses ever get eaten, so focus on finding a dough recipe that will bake up rock hard as opposed to one that tastes good.

Get the right icing texture. Pastry artist Catherine Beddall said royal icing is the preferred "glue" to adhere gingerbread pieces. Beddall said icing should be thick like peanut butter and not runny.

Mind the dough. Do not roll out the gingerbread dough too thin or it may become brittle after being cooked. Always cut out shapes before the gingerbread is baked. Let the baked pieces sit overnight to cool completely before using them to build.

Utilize a template. Free-handing the design may not be easy. Cut out templates using cardboard or poster board for various gingerbread pieces.

Patience is the key to assembling the house. Allow the icing to dry for at least a couple of hours after adhering each piece and before moving and handling the house, Beddall said. Work in stages so that individual items can be decorated and allowed to dry. Then the walls can be put together, followed by the roof pieces.

Children likely will need help. Children may not have the patience or steadiness to handle complete gingerbread construction. They can decorate the separate pieces of the house while the components lay flat, which is easier for them. Adults can do the main assembly later on.

One of the most important tips is to have fun. Don't take gingerbread house making too seriously as a novice. Rather, enjoy the experience and the centuries-old tradition.