Classic Festive Gingerbread House

1. Preparation

Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan-assisted, Gas Mark 6). In a saucepan, gently melt together the butter, dark muscovado sugar, and golden syrup.

2. Dough Formation

In a large mixing bowl, combine the plain flour, bicarbonate of soda, and ground ginger. Blend in the melted butter mixture to form a stiff dough. If the dough resists coming together, add a small splash of water to assist.

3. Cutting Shapes

Following the template provided, roll out a quarter of the dough on a surface lined with baking paper to the thickness of two stacked £1 coins. Cut out the shapes for the gingerbread house, transferring each piece, along with the parchment, to a baking sheet. Repeat with the rest of the dough, reusing any offcuts.

4. Almond Roof Tiles

Carefully press the flaked almonds into the roof sections, sharp ends up, imitating roof tiles. Bake for 12 minutes or until firm and slightly darker at the edges. Allow the pieces to cool slightly, then re-trim using the templates for precise edges. Leave to cool completely.

5. Constructing the Base

Whip the egg whites in a large bowl, sift in the icing sugar, and mix to create a thick, smooth icing. Fill a piping bag fitted with a medium nozzle and pipe thick lines along the edges of the gingerbread pieces to join the walls. Use a small bowl inside the structure for support and let it dry for a few hours.

6. Adding the Roof

Once the base is stable, attach the roof panels with icing and hold in place until set—this may take a few minutes. Allow the house to dry completely, preferably overnight.

7. Decoration

Adhere the mini chocolate fingers along the house's sides using icing to simulate wooden beams. Arrange three vertically to form the door. Embellish the house with sweets, crafting icicles by squeezing icing from the roof's edge and pulling downwards to form peaks. Attach the angled chocolate roll or flake to serve as a chimney and finalize with icing.

8. Finishing Touches

If you've made gingerbread trees, decorate them with icing and top with silver balls. For a wintery effect, dust the roof with icing sugar. Create a meandering path and arrange the trees around the house, securing them with icing dollops. Enjoy your gingerbread house for up to a week.