I have had requests to post a good recipe that I use for my gingerbread houses. This is half the recipe for a rather large gingerbread house.
4 1/2 to 5 cups all-purpose flour. (do not use self rising)
1 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp.ginger
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. cloves
1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup butter
1/2 tsp. salt
2 Tablespoons of lemon juice
1 cup of sugar
1 cup molasses
1 egg
Beat shortening and butter in a large mixer bowl with electric mixer on high speed for 30 seconds. Add Sugar, soda,
spices and salt. Beat till combined. Add egg, molasses, and lemon juice. Beat till combined. Beat as much of the flour as you can with mixer. Knead in any remaining flour. For easier handling, divide into three balls and wrap individually in plastic wrap. Chill for one hour. Bake at 375 degrees. for 8-10 minutes Don't let them get dark. They will come out soft but will harden up when cooled.
For those who would like to do a gingerbread house or any other construction with gingerbread like cookies roll out the dough between parchment paper 1/8 of inch thick. For cookies use a variety of cookie cutters. For gingerbread house ideas, stay tuned.
