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Little pink houses: Budding architects and chefs can work |
for the free lance-star
As the air turns crisp and the holidays approach, thoughts wander to the special aromas and tastes of the season--including gingerbread, which has been a tradition since the time of our nation's founding.
In fact, the folks at George Washington's boyhood home at Ferry Farm even have the recipe used by his mother, Mary Ball Washington, and will be hosting two gingerbread workshops for children ages 6 and above this Saturday.
The workshops will be led for the third year by a devoted volunteer, Heather Holmes, who personally baked 80 kits of gingerbread pieces for her first workshop, after pursuing ideas and settling on a pattern that could be used.
"I keep my eye out all year for ideas," said Holmes.
"The workshops are a great idea for mommy-and-me time or daddy-daughter dates," she added. Holmes, whose 6-year-old, Caleb, will be participating this year, said, "The kids really enjoy the experience. They're creating a memory as well as a holiday decoration or gift!"
The workshop is also valuable preparation for those who may be thinking about participating in Ferry Farm's 23rd annual Gingerbread Contest and Exhibit, which will be on display throughout December. The contest, which has attracted as many as 60 entries, will be featuring the theme "George Washington Slept Here" this year.
"And a little research opens a lot of possibilities for the gingerbread creations," said Noelle Hall, Ferry Farm's special events coordinator. "It even goes beyond Virginia. There was the time that George spent with his brother Lawrence in Barbados--and, of course, he slept in camps such as Valley Forge and a number of forts."
Holmes is well-suited to facilitate the workshops. Her creation for the Victorian Christmas exhibit was an award-winner in 2005, so she brings the expertise of experience. At the same time, that amazing Victorian house, complete with cupola and columns, was her first and only gingerbread creation. So she is living proof that one need not be an expert to enter.
In fact, awards are given in 13 categories, ranging from ages 2-5 and 6-10 (with adult supervision) to 18 and over, and include such cohorts as family-made, group creations, special needs and professional.
Holmes' tips on creating a gingerbread house range from considerations of structure and durability, to ideas for materials that could be used for decorations (all of which must be edible).
Holmes advises using gingerbread that has been aged and hardened, since the moisture of fresh gingerbread can cause it to buckle and break. The design of the building itself should be structurally sound (three-sided structures have not held up throughout the entire month), and a low-rising recipe should be used.
Some entries have used cereal-box-weight cardboard as a backing, frosted to the inside of the house. And Holmes emphasizes the importance of using a cake board or other non-flexible surface as a foundation for the structures.
As for icing --the "glue" that holds the creation together--Holmes advises using a recipe for royal icing that contains meringue powder and avoiding icing made with real eggs.
For decorations, the sky's the limit, and creators can go wherever their imagination takes them. Holmes' house featured a Christmas tree in the window made from rolled-out peppermint leaves.
"Gum drops can also be rolled out for window panes," she explained, "They look bright, as if there's a light on inside. And I've seen clever thatch made from shredded wheat, cute picket fences made out of pretzel sticks, and even cobblestone made from octagon-shaped crackers." Holmes also suggests creating unique shapes made from Wilton's melting candy, which she used to pipe tiny wreathes for her home.
"It's a fun way for children to express their artistic side, without having to be perfect," Holmes said. "And kids have amazing imaginations when it comes to creating things--especially decorations.
"It's also a great time for family bonding," she added. "We are considering it as a family game night!"
Collette Caprara is a local artist
| What: Gingerbread House workshops Where: Ferry Farm, 268 Kings Highway (State Route 3), Stafford When: Saturday, Nov. 7. Two sessions: 10 a.m.-noon; 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Cost: Children $5; adults $10. All supplies included. (All children must be accompanied.) Reservations: 540/370-0732, ext. 24. Info: kenmore.org (Ferry Farm, Events) for contest guidelines and registration form. |
