Divide the mix into two, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
Preheat oven to 180 C.
Remove one piece of dough from the fridge, place between two pieces of baking paper and roll to 1/2 cm thickness. Remove top paper, place template and cut to size.. Remove excess and place with other pieces in the refrigerator.
Imprint with a design, as shown in the video above (fondant or cookie cutters work well – I have used an 8-petal flower ), and cut holes all the way through for the ‘windows’.
Bake for 8 minutes on a lined baking tray. While you are waiting, prepare your second piece.
When 8 minutes is up, remove the piece and quickly yet carefully fill the holes with a thick layer of powdered lollies, taking care to get into all corners, but not onto the surface of the gingerbread as it quickly melts and sticks. Put back in the oven for 2 minutes, or until lollies have melted. Don’t burn the gingerbread!
Repeat until all pieces of the template are complete. Set aside to harden at least overnight. Cover with a cloth once cool.
To assemble the lamp (see part two video in tomorrow’s post)
Combine icing ingredients, starting with 1 tablespoon of water, and increasing little by little if it is too dense to stir. You are aiming for a very thick paste. Colour if desired
Use a piping bag to attach sides to each other. Tie a string around the standing lamp until dry, or use household items to prop into place so the lamp doesn’t slip while it hardens. Use a knife in a cup of boiling water to smooth over rough finishing and tidy up. Feel free to adorn. Press in decorations before it dries.
Gingerbread will keep for at least two weeks, (unrefrigerated, but covered when unattended) however, after a few days will become too stale to eat. Light a candle and place it inside to display, but don’t leave it in all night – it may melt the sugar!
Are you an expat? Do you find yourself facing the same challenges, asking the same questions? How do you deal with different cultures and what to you is the most important thing to take back home from the whole experience?
Do share your thoughts and tips with us because you, like Sarah, could be helping those who are new to the whole “living away from home” experience to feel a bit easier 🙂
Ramadan Mubarak
Appreciate, Love & Give back a little this Ramadan 🙂
