HOW TO HOLIDAY more SWEET TWISTS WAFFLE CONE CHRISTMAS TREE: Turn waffle cones upside down for instant mini Christmas trees, covering each with green frosting, then decorate with candy “ornaments” and sprinkles. Use icing to “plant” them around your gingerbread scene or set them up on their own as a colorful holiday display.
POPCORN CASTLE: Use popcorn clusters to form castle walls, holding them together with white chocolate or caramel drizzle “mortar.” Add graham cracker turrets or pretzel drawbridges for a whimsical, fairytale castle that’s equal parts crunchy and sweet.
SAVORY CREATIONS Try these snack-worthy gingerbready house alternatives that you can feast on without the sugar crash: Pretzel cabin: Embrace the cozy, rustic look with a pretzel log cabin. Pretzel rods make sturdy “logs” for walls, and a creamy cheese spread holds it all together. Decorate with bacon bits for a rustic roof and use roasted nuts for adorable rock landscaping. Perfect for a mountain lodge feel! Pizza house: Add a little pizzazz to the holidays with a pizza house. Start by gathering your materials, including thin-crust pizzas – best for structural integrity – toothpicks as nails, pepperonis as shingles, and various toppings like olives, bell peppers, and oregano. For more pizza house tips, search for pizza gingerbread house at thrillist.com. Charcuterie chalet: Using ingredients typically found on a charcuterie board, charcuterie chalets grew popular during COVID-19 and has remained a unique twist on the classic gingerbread house tradition for holiday lovers of all ages. First, gather your materials: crackers and pretzel rods, cream cheese or Cheese Whiz, and herbs, pickles, salami, Parmesan, and nuts. Build walls using the crackers or pretzels, using cream cheese or Cheese Whiz “glue” to hold pieces together. Decorate with salami shingles, Parmesan snow, and herbs for festive flair. For a full tutorial, visit EdibleArchitecture.com.
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D E C E M B E R 2024 LIBER T Y HILL D IGES T