Gingerbread Houses

Among the pages of chimney tips is the line "If it's a little crooked, that's okay, it only adds to the charm of the house." (p.44) Among the ideas for fences she mentions "Gates are useful if you're making a pattern in your fence and don't have quite enough room for that last pattern. That's a good place for a gate!" (p.86) And her favorite place to practice piping icing? Her kids hands. This is an author who knows how to take a potentially stressful, overwhelming project and make it what it's supposed to be: pure enjoyment. I think the use of drawings instead of photographs reflect that. Instead of a picture of perfection to be copied, she gives you loads of enchanting illustrations that get your own ideas churning. Five stars for spectacular inspiration and clear, thorough instructions.

This book was one of the most helpful books for me when I wanted to do something special for the holidays. You see I'm NOT a cook or a cookie maker by choice. But when I saw Mrs. Curries book it reached out and said "BAKE ME BAKE ME BAKE ME" Her book was very easy to follow and the results were FABULOUS. This is one book for the holidays that I highly recommend to all beginners or professionals. Happy Baking to all and to all a Gingerbread House.

This is THE book for anyone wishing to jump into the world of gingerbread house design, construction and decoration. I have purchased several books on gingerbreading since I created my first houses using this book and I always end up using Christa's recipe and baking tips, no matter what design I am trying out. They are fool-proof!

I've seen bigger books on making gingerbread houses, I've seen fancier books, but this is the all-time best book yet on the subject. It's simple, clear and loaded with creative ideas. I found this book when I was about to make my first gingerbread house. Now, 20 houses later, it's still my favorite book on the subject.

"Gingerbread Houses", by Christa Currie is far and away the best book I have found for introducing the craft of creating your own gingerbread house. It is easily read, and the instructions for pattern-making, mixing , baking and assembling your house are equally easy to understand and follow. All are written in an engaging manner, as though the author were letting you in on a special secret she has found, and actually, she has indeed! This time-honored craft has been written about and demonstrated many times over the years, but Christa's book made me feel right from the start as though even I could accomplish a masterpiece. The book is basically divided into two parts: the first 1/4 of the book being the instructions on how to make patterns, gather supplies, bake and assemble the house. The rest of the book, entirely 3/4 of it, is devoted to an incredible assortment of decorating tips! From windows and roofs to spires and chimneys to candy stained glass and candy people...so many different ways to decorate are offered that it stirs up one's own creative juices! I found that even though I had never made a house before, I had loads of fun, baking and decorating with confidence, and producing such a wonderful result that no one could believe it was my first time!! Such results would not have been possible with out the help of this book...I looked at many books and articles and such, and by far "Gingerbread Houses" is at the top of my list!. Sue Russell ([email protected])