Discovering the Magic of Gingerbread Houses
PHOTOS BY DANIELA LOERA
GINGERBREAD HOUSES’ SWEET ORIGIN
Ginger is native to parts of Asia and has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. It is rumored that Confucius ate a piece of ginger with each meal. Chinese ships even carried ginger root to help prevent pirates from contracting scurvy.
The French are said to be the first to introduce ginger into their baking. They created ginger-infused honey cakes that they shaped into saints or other religious symbols, similar to today’s approach to gingerbread cookies. In no time at all, gingerbread gained popularity inside and outside of religious circles. Even Queen Elizabeth I joined in on the fun by having her bakers create caricatures of her esteemed guests.
It wasn’t until the early 19th century that gingerbread houses gained popularity, because of the Grimms’ fairytale, “Hansel and Gretel.” Shortly, gingerbread houses made their way to America. Their history and why they became associated with Christmas is still somewhat unknown. However, many believe it was due to their festive decorations and ginger’s warming effect during cold weather.
NURTURING RGV TALENT: SOUTH TEXAS COLLEGE SPREADS HOLIDAY CHEER
If you think baking might be more than just an occasional hobby, you might consider enrolling in a culinary program. Luckily for you, South Texas College’s (STC) Culinary Arts Program offers two certificates and two associate degrees. During the fall, STC also hosts an annual gingerbread house competition, inviting the general public to come enjoy the students’ wonderful creations.
While some students have plenty of experience baking gingerbread, others are new to the tradition. Some, like me, only ever used the premade kits. But what is true for all STC students is that they really enjoy a challenge.
Emily Elizondo, a student from La Joya, Texas, pursuing an associate degree in pastry arts, baked her first gingerbread during the program. “You get to be creative with it,” she shared.
STC-alumna-turned-instructor Larissa L. Reinitz hopes to pull her students out of their comfort zones with the gingerbread house assignment. She says, “Once students understand the technique, [they] get a sense of accomplishment and confidence.” Reinitz explains that in the process, students use everything they have learned from day one, from how to hold a piping bag to how to execute a specific design.
Paula Mosley, a commercial baking certificate student from McAllen, Texas, says she found it challenging even though she has plenty of experience working with the holiday delicacy. As a mother of a daughter, and two sons who are autistic and gluten intolerant, she was inspired to learn how to bake gingerbread, so she and her family could enjoy this beloved Christmas tradition together. One of her boys, James Mosley, loved making the gingerbread houses so much that he has joined his mother in obtaining a commercial baking certificate.
STC students’ gingerbread houses will be on display until Dec. 11 at STC Pecan Campus, Room 126. The public is invited to visit and view these delightful creations.
Get it on the creative, gingerbread house-building fun yourself by creating one from your own recipe, from the recipes featured in this issue courtesy of the STC Culinary Arts Program or from a ready-to-build kit.
It’s a great way to start the holidays,” Paula Mosley says.
As a person who often mistakes baking soda for baking powder, I will definitely be doing the latter. Eating gingerbread has traditionally been associated with good luck, so fill up with holiday cheer, and hopefully plenty of lucky fortunes will come your way in the new year!
At South Texas College, the Culinary Arts Program offers two certificates and two associate degrees, plus the opportunity to train and learn using industry-grade facilities you can expect in the real world. For more information, visit southtexascollege.edu.
