Customer Reviews

Gingerbread Houses

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is THE book for anyone wishing to jump into the world of gingerbread house design, construction and decoration.

I have purchased several books on gingerbreading since I created my first houses using this book and I always end up using Christa's recipe and baking tips, no matter what design I am trying out. They are fool-proof!

I've seen bigger books on making gingerbread houses, I've seen fancier books, but this is the all-time best book yet on the subject. It's simple, clear and loaded with creative ideas. I found this book when I was about to make my first gingerbread house. Now, 20 houses later, it's still my favorite book on the subject.

This book was one of the most helpful books for me when I wanted to do something special for the holidays. You see I'm NOT a cook or a cookie maker by choice. But when I saw Mrs. Curries book it reached out and said "BAKE ME BAKE ME BAKE ME" Her book was very easy to follow and the results were FABULOUS. This is one book for the holidays that I highly recommend to all beginners or professionals. Happy Baking to all and to all a Gingerbread House.

This is a good book for adult beginners or experienced gingerbread house builders. The last half of the book is samples and explanations for all the extra details that make the houses special. Mailboxes, snowmen, fences, etc. Lot of fun, but a little advanced for young kids just starting out.

Among the pages of chimney tips is the line "If it's a little crooked, that's okay, it only adds to the charm of the house." (p.44) Among the ideas for fences she mentions "Gates are useful if you're making a pattern in your fence and don't have quite enough room for that last pattern. That's a good place for a gate!" (p.86) And her favorite place to practice piping icing? Her kids hands. This is an author who knows how to take a potentially stressful, overwhelming project and make it what it's supposed to be: pure enjoyment.

I think the use of drawings instead of photographs reflect that. Instead of a picture of perfection to be copied, she gives you loads of enchanting illustrations that get your own ideas churning. Five stars for spectacular inspiration and clear, thorough instructions.

"Gingerbread Houses", by Christa Currie is far and away the best book I have found for introducing the craft of creating your own gingerbread house. It is easily read, and the instructions for pattern-making, mixing , baking and assembling your house are equally easy to understand and follow. All are written in an engaging manner, as though the author were letting you in on a special secret she has found, and actually, she has indeed! This time-honored craft has been written about and demonstrated many times over the years, but Christa's book made me feel right from the start as though even I could accomplish a masterpiece.

The book is basically divided into two parts: the first 1/4 of the book being the instructions on how to make patterns, gather supplies, bake and assemble the house. The rest of the book, entirely 3/4 of it, is devoted to an incredible assortment of decorating tips! From windows and roofs to spires and chimneys to candy stained glass and candy people...so many different ways to decorate are offered that it stirs up one's own creative juices! I found that even though I had never made a house before, I had loads of fun, baking and decorating with confidence, and producing such a wonderful result that no one could believe it was my first time!! Such results would not have been possible with out the help of this book...I looked at many books and articles and such, and by far "Gingerbread Houses" is at the top of my list!.

Sue Russell (sueruss1@ix.netcom.com)

Even though this book did not have any photos it was still helpful and gave some good ideas. The author includes drawings of different ideas such as doors, windows, and a mailbox (made out of a tootsie roll). I wanted to make some houses and sell them during the holidays and the author gives some tips on doing this at the end of her book. I borrowed this from the library but now plan to buy it!

I have researched many books on gingerbread in search of the "how to's" when I first got started making gingerbread houses. Although this is not a fancy book and has no color photographs, it should be considered the gingerbread "Bible"--a must have for all gingerbread bakers---especially those new to the hobby. It was the MOST helpful book for me when I began--all kinds of practical tips and pointers. I used to just check this book out of our library but finally decided to go ahead and buy it as it is so helpful. Thanks to Christa we are able to do our Mother-Daughter Gingerbread House party every year as part of our family Christmas traditions.

My first reaction after receiving and flipping through the pages was, "What!". "No color photographs?" Well shame on me because this book is so well written, I never missed the absence of color photos. The decorating idea sketches are great and, again, the author did a great job of writing this book for beginners and intermediate as well. You won't find yourself scratching your head saying, "Huh??". I wonder what she means by that?" I'm hooked on gingerbread houses now and have made 6 in the last 3 weeks. The chapter on making your own patterns was also put to the test. My patterns came out perfect following the directions in this book. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! This is the start of a new Christmas tradition at my house. R. Schaaf

I was really hoping for a basic gingerbread book - I've done the houses for years but it's always hit or miss on the recipe for the dough and icing. I was really hoping for some basic recipes and patterns and analysis on which was better for what and why. I think the icing that she recommends will work nicely and I'm sure the cookie recipe will be adequate but I'm not convinced that the pattern will work better than anything else out there.

She spends a lot of time talking about methods to decorate and very little on "here's the dough and the icing and the pattern that will work and here's what makes them different from what else is out there."

It's a well written book but very high level. It goes into so little detail that it's hard to imagine that this would really be the best book for someone who is new to this. If I'd wanted to be told that "trial and error" are the best methods I would have continued to utilize them and not wasted fifteen dollars on a book to tell me that.

I guess that's what it really boils down to... there is a lot of talking 'about' but very little talking about 'how' or 'why'.

I can't recommend this book.