For decades, gingerbread houses have been essential to getting in the Christmas spirit. While some may be satisfied with the store bought, artificial versions of this holiday tradition, others may prefer to indulge in a more homemade version. Follow this simple recipe with friends and family to create your own custom gingerbread creation while fostering friendship and family bonding.

Ingredients:

• ¾ cups butter
• 7/8 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 2 eggs
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 2 teaspoons ground all-spice
• 6 egg white
• 4 packages of confectioners sugar

1. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and molasses. Gradually beat in 2 eggs. Sift the flour, baking powder, and spices together; stir into creamed mixture. Wrap dough in parchment paper, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
2. Turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface. Divide into 6 portions, 2 slightly larger than the others. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the 4 smaller pieces to approximately the size of the side wall and the end wall with gable templates; cut out two of each. Roll out remaining dough, and cut into two rectangular roof pieces. Transfer gingerbread onto greased baking trays.
3. In a preheated 375 degree F (190 degrees C) oven, bake gingerbread for 10 minutes, or until crisp. When removing from the oven, leave the gingerbread on the baking trays for a few minutes to set, then transfer to wire racks. Leave out overnight to harden.
4. In a large bowl, lightly whisk 2 egg whites. Gradually beat in approximately 5 cups of confectioners’ sugar. The icing should be smooth and stand in firm peaks.
5. Use icing to glue the sides of the house together 
6. Use the remaining icing to decorate the house using various types of candy