Gingerbread Facade

Make template. (See our tips for an architectural treat here.)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Roll out gingerbread dough on a Silpat to about 1/4 inch thick. Chill until firm, about 1 hour. Lightly dust top of dough with flour. Place templates on top and cut out shapes. Place Silpat with house pieces on a baking sheet. Bake, rotating sheet halfway through, until just beginning to brown, about 18 minutes. Let cool completely.

Place template over baked gingerbread. Using a utility knife, lightly score along roof lines, shingles, and door (to serve as guides when piping). Gingerbread can be stored on baking sheets, covered with plastic wrap, up to 1 week at room temperature.

Decorate facade. Decorate shutters as desired.

Make windowpane molds: Roll out molding clay 1/4 inch thick on a Silpat. Measure windows of house; add 1/2 inch all around. With a utility knife, cut out molds from clay using measurements. Make the caramel syrup, and pour into molds. Let set, then use royal icing to glue onto back of facade.

Lightly brush some un-iced areas of gingerbread with egg wash; liberally sprinkle nonpareils or sanding sugar over top. (Work quickly, as egg white dries rapidly.) Let sit 20 minutes, then brush off any excess.

Attach the shutters. Once the shutters are set, attach supports for the house to either end: Pipe icing along the angled edge of support, using a small plain tip (#3). Hold support, narrow end up, flush against one side of the house until set. Repeat on the other side of the house.