This past weekend was our 11th annual family gingerbread house competition! It's my absolute favorite holiday tradition and I've been looking forward to it all season. Especially since I've been the reigning champ since '09. Competition aside, this really is a fun activity to do with the whole family and always brings out the best conversations, as well as a good laugh or two. For an extra challenge, I sometimes buy graham crackers instead of the gingerbread house kit. I've found that this is even more fun, because you have to be extra creative and construct something that won't fall down!
This year, I decided to incorporate fresh berries into my design, along with some fresh rosemary. My gingerbread house may not last as long with fresh elements, but it will certainly smell the best! Plus, they never make it more than a week with two dogs in the house. And out of all 11 years, this may be my best yet! I LOVE how the fresh berries look.
What are some of your favorite holiday traditions? I'd love to hear in the comment section below!
Ingredients:
Your favorite gingerbread house kit
California Giant blueberries
California Giant raspberries
California Giant strawberries
Fresh Rosemary
White frosting (most kits come with frosting)
Instructions:
Follow gingerbread house kit instructions and assemble. Decorate with your choice of frosting, fresh herbs (I used rosemary), and California Giant berries. Sprinkle with powdered sugar for that 'winter wonderland' look!