Here are the two important recipes.

The Gingerbread

2 Cups Flour
1 Teaspoon Baking Powder
1/4 Teaspoon Baking Soda
1 Teaspoon Cinnamon
1/2 Teaspoon Ginger
1/3 Cup Sugar
1/2 Cup Shortening
1/2 Cup Molasses
3 Tablespoons Hot Water

1. Combine ingredients in a large bowl

2. Blend well. Add paste food coloring if you wish

3. Chill overnight

4. Roll onto Teflon (no stick) baking sheets, 1/4 inch thich

5. Chill on pans for easy handling

6. Cut out shapes and remove excess dough

7. Bake 8-10 minutes in 400 degree oven

Note: The ingredients in this recipe were multiplied 10 times, in order to make enough to build ONE of the houses shown here (not counting the "Haunted House").

The Royal Icing

3 Egg Whites
1/2 Teaspoon Cream of Tartar
1 Pound 10X Sugar

More water thins it

Cream of Tartar makes it stiff

More sugar makes it thick

Color ONLY with paste colors