You knew it was coming. It’s basically mandatory that a publication dedicated to spices put up something related to gingerbread during the holidays.
Last year it was the world’s most ultimate dark, sticky, chewy gingerbread.
This year you deserve a break from the scurrying, baking, wrapping, shopping, and writing. Sit back and enjoy the show. Here are 8 gingerbread structures with serious wow-factor. These were part of a larger annual gingerbread display at the Eastman House in Rochester, New York. This particular collection spans 2009 and 2010.
The Mountain Getaway
Time to escape from it all and relax in your cozy mountain cabin. The cinnamon gum roof shingles keep you dry and your skis are waiting for you! Woohoo…time to SWOOSH!!
A Traditional Christmas
Perhaps you prefer something more traditional and formal. Plenty of room for the kids to have visions of sugarplums in this stately residence!
Complete with a matching gingerbread doghouse and gingerbread dog! Isn’t he cute?
For The Sports Fan
I bet those skis offer a sweet ride! You can just make out part of the fondant running shoe on the other side.
The Chocoholic
If you like chocolate with your ginger…make yourself at home.
The Treasure Chest
Perhaps it’s glitter ‘n’ gold ‘n’ pearls that captures ye heart.
A Tribute to The Open Air Market
Get your freshest foodie supplies at the Rochester Public Market; gingerbread style!
Monkey Condo
We all need a little random goofiness and here’s the place to do it. Apologies on the clarity but this one had to be included! Do you think it’s banana-flavored?
It’s your turn. What will you create? (Disclaimer – I’m great at gingerbread shacks. Four walls, a roof, and door. Loaded with confection. Call it done)! It’s the effort that counts. Right?
Have fun!
December 21, 2010 at 8:01 pm
I think my fave is the treasure chest…especially the clasp! Theresa
December 21, 2010 at 8:36 pm
No kidding about the WOW factor. I have to admit to being partial to the classic G.H., and while I like chocolate, I am OK saving that for the rest of the year and going ginger in December.
Thanks for a fun one!
December 21, 2010 at 9:17 pm
Seriously Wow! I love the fresh market one!
By the way, after I read what you have to say about cardamom, I used it in my last post in a chocolate sauce. Unexpectedly good!
December 21, 2010 at 9:43 pm
What AMAZING gingerbread houses! Love them all. Thank you for sharing!! Happy Holidays!
December 22, 2010 at 1:08 am
Awesome!! Everyone of them…. didn’t do gingerbread houses this year – but if I had – it would have been a chicken pavillion…. any ideas for one of those?? btw – love your falling snowflakes. Here in California – it’s been raining for over a week – amazing!! Thanks for your great info and photos.. where do they come from anyway???
December 22, 2010 at 10:06 am
@ Island Vittles That clasp impressed me too. I made a treasure chest cake once, was a far cry from this though!
@ Janice I decided no one needed yet another gingerbread cookie recipe!
@ Ilke So glad you tried the cardamom based on Spice Sherpa advice! That’s great to hear. Better yet, glad you enjoyed it. Spices really take flavor up a level.
@ Lisa You’re welcome and same to you!
@ Pamela I took all the photos and they came from the George Eastman House annual gingerbread display. We go every year the weekend after Thanksgiving.
December 22, 2010 at 9:26 pm
How much fun is that!
We were at Disney one year before Christmas and they were working on their huge gingerbread house they put out every year. I have always been fascinated by the craftsmanship that go into these because I have no patience for it.
Jason
December 27, 2010 at 11:42 am
Jason–I hear you! We made gingerbread houses this year but they are quite modest compared to the ones in the pictures. No one would accuse us of not making them from scratch–they scream homemade!
December 29, 2010 at 1:48 am
Ok – seriously, WOW!!!!!!!
Everything is gorgeous, but that treasure chest made my heart beat faster!!! I want, I want!!!
Hope you and yours have the bestest New Year Karen!!!