Make a Christmas gingerbread village

For each steeple, schoolhouse belfry and chimney, cut as follows: 2 front/back pieces; 2 side pieces. For each steeple and belfry: 2 roof pieces.

Cut clock tower as follows: 4 clock tower sides; 1 clock tower roof.

Cut door and window pieces as desired. Reroll scraps; cut steps, bench and other items as desired. Chill as directed.

Line rimless baking sheets with parchment paper. Transfer as many pieces to prepared pans as can fit 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart. Bake, 1 sheet at a time, in centre of 350°F (180°C) oven until slightly darker at edges and firm to the touch, about 22 minutes for large pieces and 15 minutes for small pieces. Let cool on pans on racks.

Using piping bag fitted with 1/4-inch (5 mm) tip (or small plastic bag with corner snipped off), pipe icing along bottom and side edges of front piece and 1 side piece. Place on base, 1 inch (2.5 cm) from edges, pressing together to form corner. Repeat with back and remaining side piece. Let dry completely, about 20 minutes, propping with heavy cans if necessary.                              

Pipe icing along top edges of walls; attach 1 roof piece. Pipe icing along top edge of roof; attach remaining roof piece. Let dry completely, about 20 minutes.

Assemble clock tower as for buildings.

Meanwhile, assemble chimney, steeple or schoolhouse belfry by piping icing on back of front and back pieces along side edges. Hold front piece upright on work surface; press side pieces into icing. Add back piece, pressing icing into side pieces. Let dry for 10 minutes.

To attach steeple and schoolhouse belfry roofs, pipe icing along top edges; attach pieces. Let dry completely, about 20 minutes. To attach, pipe icing along bottom edges; press onto peak of roof.

Decorate with gingerbread doors, windows and candies, attaching with icing. (To cover walls with icing, coat 1 at a time and decorate with candies before continuing with remaining walls.)

To make shingles: Cut licorice into 5-1/2-inch (13 cm) strips. Starting at bottom edge of roof, attach horizontally with icing, overlapping layers and trimming around chimney, steeple or belfry if necessary.


Page 2 of 2 -- On page 1, find the ingredients and supplies you need to make a gingerbread village.