Gingerbread Houses [Paperback]

Nonnie Cargas (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1999

An all-in-one resource for bakers who are looking for new techniques and ideas. Readers will learn the basics on how to construct and decorate any of the 13 delightful, original patterns. Includes a complete resource guide and a gallery of gingerbread houses.

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: kp books (August 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0873417119
• ISBN-13: 978-0873417112
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,102,909 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

41 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lots of pictures make this a great book for ideas!, December 10, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Gingerbread Houses (Paperback)

This is a great book for those who have limited experience with gingerbread house building or cake decorating. The book does contain about a dozen patterns, almost all of which are easy. Basic information, like recipes and supply lists, is all well organized and presented, making it easy to get a quick start.

My favorite part of the book was the section on hosting a gingerbread house decorating party. I was immediately inspired to hold one for my neighbors, and it was a whopping success. Everything I needed to know to throw this party was here, and my guests loved going through the pictures of houses for inspiration.

And there are a ton of photographs! From a very simple cottage to some full blown mansions -- they are all represented here. For many people, this would probably be the most worthwhile part of the book, because you can get so much inspiration from the wide variety displayed. The pictures make this book a better buy than "Gingerbread Houses" by Christa Currie, which has solid construction information, but no pictures whatsoever.

If you are past the stage of gingerbread houses, and looking more for ideas of other things to do with gingerbread, like a farm, Santa's sleigh, carousel or basket, you might be disappointed with this book. There are other books out there (such as those by Teresa Layman) that have recipes and construction details for such structures, and you would be better served by getting one of them. This is clearly a house book, just like the name implies.

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Terrific Guide To Making Gingerbread Houses !, June 26, 2000

By 

Irvin Goodman - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Gingerbread Houses (Paperback)

This wonderful 208 page soft bound book has more than 220 full color, large sharp photos. It provides you with all of the information you'll need to create one-of-a-kind gingerbread houses that will be real treaures. Everything is very detailed and pictured to assure your success. A very complete index helps you locate the information you want. Topics range from making and designing the houses to lighting the finished product. Many of the houses are shown in full page, full color photos. The materials and supplies needed for each house is clearly stated and every step along the way is numbered. A can't miss success formula. A book you'll enjoy and use for years to come. Enjoy, enjoy !

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A little disappointed, October 9, 2000

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Gingerbread Houses (Paperback)

I must be spoiled with Teresa Layman's books, because I was disappointed by this one. The houses in this book are all quite easy to make, and I guess anyone who made a gingerbread house before could come up with simple patterns like this. The pictures that are interesting (the writer collected pictures of projects all over the US) unfortunately do not include patterns.

What I did like about this book is the enormous amount of hints, tips and tricks that are offered. The writer is obviously an experienced 'gingerbreader' and the love for this craft shows through every story she shares. The sections with info on hosting a gingerbread party and participating in contests was also very valuable.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is just starting out on making gingerbread houses, or who is looking for something to do together with children. If you're looking for challenging patterns, realistic details and something beyond basic houses, you're better off buying Teresa Layman's books.