Happy Holidays!

I can't believe it's December already! Where has this year gone?? 

This time last year I was busy preparing for final exams at culinary school and staying up all night to make this gingerbread house for a school competition. I found out about the competition a week before the deadline but decided to make it (or let's say stress out about it) anyway :)  I tried to replicate the house I grew up in and then decorated it for Christmas. 

The house is made out of gingerbread and "glued" together with royal icing. All of the bushes, garland, and wreathes are made of Rice Krispie Treats. I used bubble gum (painted black) for the shingles and then attached poppy seeds to them for texture. The windows were made from poured sugar. The snow is a mixture of coconut, powdered sugar, and edible glitter. I then used chocolate Twizzlers, Red Hots, Tootsie Rolls, Rolo's, and fondant accents for the final decorations on the house. 

I put in a large picture window on the back so you can see the inside of the house. There is a Christmas tree with presents, pictures on the walls, a couch, and all 4 of the wienie dogs I grew up with!

I had so much fun making my house for this gingerbread competition.  What made it even better was winning 1st place!!

 I couldn't bear to throw the house away so I boxed it up and brought it home.  You are probably wondering the same thing I am...

"what are you ever going to do with it?!?"