Everything Gingerbread

Traditional Polish Gingerbread Heart Christmas Decoration ©MDHarding

Who doesn't like gingerbread? Gingerbread is said to have originated in Greece around 2400 BC. How incredible is that! Known for its health benefits such as aiding nausea, fitting germs and supporting your immune system, as well as reducing the risk of diabetes and more.

Last year we saw the nightclub Annabel's transformed into a giant gingerbread house and did you know that you can visit the world's largest gingerbread town in Norway?

Here is more about gingerbread, home essentials including ginger and the royal chef's gingerbread recipe.

Everything Gingerbread

In the past, the iconic British hotel The Dorchester was transformed into a gingerbread replica of itself. A creation dreamt up by the hotel’s executive chef Henry Brosi, the Gingerbread Hotel measures approximately 180cm in length, 150cm in height, and 95cm in width. It weighs in at 150kg and features over 8,000 individual pieces of gingerbread baked by the hotel pastry team. The model of the front of the hotel is almost identical to the frontage of the world-famous building. Children visiting the hotel during December will be swept into a magical experience at the Sweet Emporium by ‘Sweets in the City’ tucked inside a festive nook in the lobby.

Castle Howard added spice to Christmas one year with an enormous gingerbread replica. The enormous confection will be four metres by three metres, and depict not only the famous house, complete with its dome and the parterre garden envisaged by Vanbrugh, but also by many of the architectural features found in the 10,000 acre estate, including the Temple of the Four Winds, Mausoleum and the 7th Earl’s monument. The windows of the house will be illuminated, and just like at the real Castle Howard, and miniature trees will descend from Ray Wood to create a perfect winter scene. Taking two weeks to bake with elements constructed at Bompas & Parr’s headquarters, before it was transported the 200 miles up to Castle Howard, where the final piece was assembled. Castle Howard is well-known for offering one of the best Christmas experiences in the country!

Gingerbread House

Gingerbread house history

gingerbread houses are said to date back to the 1600s and originated in Germany. No one knows who created the first gingerbread. Becoming increasingly popular when the Brothers Grimm wrote Hansel and Gretel, where the storyline is based around the main characters stumbling upon a house made entirely of treats in the middle of the forest. It is still not clear whether gingerbread houses originated as a result of this fairy-tale or vice versa. Traditionally the cookie houses were decorated with foil and gold leaf which became associated with Christmas tradition. Today you can find gingerbread houses all around the world with the largest gingerbread village in Norway!

Did you know there are a wide variety of gingerbread house kits available to purchase?

I bought mine from Ikea along with baking glue and decorating kit.

The Royal chefs have let their secret out the kitchen' doh ..well, Gingerbread Dough Recipe. Will you try to make a gingerbread house from scratch using the Royal chef's Gingerbread House Recipe?

Will you make your own gingerbread house this year?

Gingerbread House ©MDHarding

Gingerbread Biscuits

What about these delicious gingerbread cookies from Keikilani at https://allmygoodthings.com/

Bourbon Molasses Ginger Cookies. A gooey cookie with just the right amount of spice and a little something-something for pizzaz!

On the baking menu are also:

• Gingerbread Orange Spice Cake with Maple Cream Frosting (I love making these in mini bundt pans)

• Caramelized Bacon Pumpkin Ginger Cookies (why NOT put bacon in cookies?)

• Banana Gingerbread

Here is also a vegan-friendly alternative - RAW VEGAN GINGERBREAD COOKIES WITH ADAPTOGENS

Have you tried Hotel Chocolat Gingers yum!

Infused with fiery ginger, these warming biscuits are mellowed with pieces of smooth dark chocolate for the ultimate tingle-and-melt sensation.

Gingerbread popcorn anyone? Mackie's of Scotland now produces gingerbread popcorn. Have you tried it?

Gingerbread Fudge

Have you ever tried making gingerbread fudge? Here is a gingerbread fudge kit with everything you need to make your own.

If you prefer to buy, visit the Fudge Kitchen. They have an amazing selection of flavoured fudge, all handmade with no additional added flavours or additives.

Gingerbread Pretzels

Gingerbread Gin Globe

Gingerbread Wax Burner & Melts

There is nothing like the house smelling of Christmas. You can make your own gingerbread scent-infused candle, a natural wax melt or perhaps try an incense stick. If you are unsure how to make your own, start with making your own candle with Refill My Candle.

Gingerbread Latte

Make your own gingerbread latte at home. It's easy to do, less expensive and tastes delicious! Here's how to make your own gingerbread latte at home.

Would you like to savour it for longer? Keep it warm with a mug cosy!

Gingerbread Latte with Mug Cosy ©MDHarding

Gingerbread Tree Decoration

What about a stay at the Candy Cane House in a gingerbread-themed bed?

Gingerbread Workshop

Did you know you can join a gingerbread decoration workshop in Torun, Poland? This past October I took the bus from Gdansk to the home of gingerbread - Torun. Gingerbread here dates back to the middle ages. The Living Gingerbread Museum is a must-visit too! I thoroughly enjoyed it and can't recommend it enough.

I hope you have enjoyed reading and are inspired to visit, stay or bake one of the above.

I'm in gingerbread heaven:)