I have to admit that my habits of late are changing. Apart form the occasional movie which I enjoy if it’s not too commercial and “Hollywood blockbuster”, I watch much more television than I do movies. I think it’s because I often find myself disappointed in a movie whereas with a television show, I know roughly what I am going to get. Mr NQN thinks it’s this same creature of habit status that means that OCD trance-like, I repeat songs over and over again and it is why I don’t really listen to the radio as I want to know what song will be on next. I hate to think of myself as predictable but then again, all evidence does point to me winning the Miss Predictability award at the pageant.
When I do watch a movie, however, it is much more likely to be a movie that I watched when I was younger. I hate to sound like a whiner, but they really don’t make movies like they used to. My two favourites when I was young were E.T. and The Wizard of Oz. My favourite part from the Wizard of Oz were the parts with the Wicked Witch of the West. She scared me a little but I did like the music that they played whenever she came on the screen and the fact that she could ride a bike in the sky. As someone that a) cannot ride a bike or b) fly she seemed to be somewhat of a superhero (did I mention I wasn’t quite a normal child?).
Regular readers will know how much I love Hallowe’en for it allows me to invite goblins, demons and witches into my house. And this year I wanted to make a gingerbread house with a difference. Rather than being nestled in the snow and possibly have Santa Claus as an inhabitant, I wanted the owner to be a witch. I wanted there to be cobwebs, spiders and pumpkins and I also wanted it to be dark as the night as would befit a witch.
The gingerbread recipe that I used is one that is soft and easy to roll and reroll and reroll. Like all gingerbread houses, you can really let your imagination go wild as far as the decorating is concerned and of course readers in the United States will undoubtedly have an enormous range of impressive candy options at their disposal. You don’t have to royal icing the outside of the gingerbread house in black, indeed this would save a lot of time if you didn’t. To save your precious sanity, you could also buy gingerbread house cutters. There are gingerbread house cutters for sale here at Mini Gourmets which you could also use for Christmas (I’m not into single use items 
). And they’re giving NQN readers 20% off these gingerbread house cutters if you use the code: lovenigella – this expires on November 18th, 2010.
I won’t lie, it did take me ages to make but I always feel an odd sense of satisfaction when making a gingerbread house-it’s like a miniature version of building your own house. I also wanted to pay a little homage to the Wizard of Oz-can you see where that is Dear Reader? 
This is also my entry for my friend Faith’s and Nutmeg Nanny’s All Through the Year Cheer Hallowe’en Event!
So tell me Dear Reader, are you afraid of ghosts?
A Spooky Hallowe’en Gingerbread Witch’s House!
- 250g butter, at room temperature
- 200g (1 cup, firmly packed) brown sugar
- 250ml (1 cup) golden syrup
- 2 eggs, separated plus 2 extra egg whites
- 6 to 7 cups plain flour
- 2 tbs ground ginger
- 2 tsp mixed spice
- 2 tsps bicarbonate of soda
- Plain flour, to dust
- 600g (4 cups) pure icing sugar, sifted
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- Food colouring as desired-I used black (powder colouring) and orange (gel colouring)
- Orange and green fondant to make pumpkins
- Orange and Brown M&Ms
- White fondant and a red edible ink pen for witch’s legs (edible red pen from Little Betsy Baker)
- Cake round to place it on and some black paper or cardboard
- Icing pens in green, yellow and purple
- Sugar decorations of your choice-I used a sugar witch, pumpkins and spiders from Little Betsy Baker
Method
1. Line 3 or 4 baking trays with baking paper. Have your house template ready. I also made an extra door, shutters and a door mat. I just measured one up on paper although if you’re smarter than I am, and I hope you are, you may have printed one out from the internet or bought a set. It is around Christmas time and there should be gingerbread houses a plenty.
2. Use an electric beater to beat the butter and sugar in a bowl until pale and creamy. Add the golden syrup and egg yolk and beat until combined. Stir in the flour, ginger, mixed spice and bicarbonate of soda. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth. Press dough into a disc. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge for 30 minutes to rest.
3. Meanwhile, place egg whites and lemon juice in a clean, dry bowl. Use an electric beater to beat until combined. Gradually add icing sugar and beat. You want the icing at this stage to be able to hold a line as you will start off drawing an outline in this stiffer icing (I’ll just call this stiff icing) and then filling it in with slightly more liquidey icing which you make simply by adding water to the royal icing later. Divide icing into separate bowls depending on the desired number of icing colours you want including one white for the cobwebs-you’ll use most of the royal icing on the black outside. Set aside. I find that when I make black royal icing using powder, it’s best to let that icing sit overnight and re mix it again as it can get little green specks otherwise.
4. Preheat oven to 180°C. Place the dough between 2 sheets of baking paper and roll out until about 4mm thick. Use cutters to to cut out shapes. Place on trays about 3cm apart. Repeat with any excess dough. This dough re-rolls very well.
5. Bake in oven for 10 minutes or until brown. Remove from oven. Transfer to a rack to cool completely.
6. Place some of the prepared icing in small plastic bags (about a quarter to a third). Cut a small hole in a corner of each bag. Pipe an outline around the pieces of the house. Allow to set for 30 minutes or so. Then add a few drops of water to the royal icing and mix well and using a small spoon, fill in the outline around the cookie. Allow to dry completely and resist the urge to touch it as it will spoil the smooth finish. Trust me, I’ve left so many fingerprints behind.
7. Once dried, it is ready to assemble using the stiff royal icing as glue. Get a cardboard round and cover it with black cardboard and adhere it securely. Take some cups as you will use them to support the house while the royal icing sets. Take the first piece and add royal icing on the bottom and place it on the spot where you want it to sit on the cardboard. Use two cups on either side to hold it up. Then using the royal icing glue the sides to the front and back of the house. Use extra royal icing if it feel tenuous. You can always cover it up with some piping later. Leave to set overnight. Then add roof and allow to set.
8. Then comes the fun bit-the decorating! Pipe some stiff orange royal icing to cover up the joins and add m&ms. Then draw “Keep Out” on the doormat. Draw windows using a yellow pen. Draw cobwebs using the stiff white royal icing. Draw slats on the shutter and draw a ghost in each window.
9. To make fondant pumpkins, shape the orange fondant into small balls and using a skewer, draw lines down the pumpkin. Then top with a little green fondant. To make witch’s legs roll out small sausage shapes (always start with a ball shape when using fondant) and then draw them in with an edible red pen. Affix all pieces with royal icing.
If you enjoyed this post, why not share it with your friends?
What is NQN up to now?
NQN on Facebook
RSS
116 Comments | Add your own
You’re soo good…! I intend to make a gingerbread house as well this Christmas. Love your Halloween themed house, looks very sweet and adorable
!
I love it Lorraine! I know how much you love Halloween so I’m not surprised you put so much effort on this! It looks fantastic!!
Wow that’s awesome and I spotted those witch legs straight away.
I’ve always wanted to make these!
I used to be afraid of ghosts but ever since I got into uni and learnt about concepts and human constructs, not anymore.
Oh my goodness, this is so awesome! I love the little witches legs! hehe
That looks AMAZING! Well done! I loooove gingerbread! Great deal at Mini Gourmets too – they are such a great little store!
Your witch house looks fantastic. You did a great job! And the set behind the house is terrific!
Magda
So cute! I love the witch crushed under there! I have always wanted to make a gingerbread house. You have inspired me. This is the yearv I really do it!
You killed the Wicked Witch of the West!!!!
I love it – Can I buy it from you?? My daughter is having a Halloween 21st next weekend!
WOW! The details on that house are amazing! Great job!
Haha love the legs, poor witchypoo LOL
Sometimes afraid of ghosts, yes – but mainly after I’ve seen a scary movie, which is why I avoid them like the plague!!
I love it when you do these amazing creations, this one is absolutely spectacular, your imagination is unbelievable!
I can’t find the reference to Wzard of Oz in the decorations because as a child I found it too scary and I couldn’t watch
I´m just affraid that I wouldn´t be able to make such a terrific work as you did! And all the great photos, oh my!!! Congratulations. Even though I was born in early 80´s I also love The Wizard of Oz, there´s just something about that move that thrills me.
Lorraine, that looks awesome!! Also, I’m sure I’ve said this before, but I can’t tell you how much I love you for not being able to ride a bike!!
I’m in love, what a masterpiece, Lorraine! The legs under the house are really adorable, as I’m a fan of the Wizard of Oz too. As always, your attention to detail is fabulous!
Cute!!! I love the black colour you achieved – making black icing is a nightmare, beause it so often turns out grey. I an afraid of ghosts, but thankfully have never come across any.
Awesome!
This is awesome, Lorraine! I love how it gets wider as it goes up. Such a cute look and so fun for Halloween!
It’s so creative. Nice work!
So cute! I really love your spooky house!
Cheers,
Rosa
the wicked witch!
this is amazing. you must be very patient and weildy with your hands.
Wow, this is amazing! I love it. And no, I am not scared of ghosts.
Maybe thats why I love Halloween.
love the witches legs and the wizard of oz is one of my favourite movies too and i also like alice in wonderland the one with whoppiegoldberg hehe
I love that you were like that as a child
I too was a bit odd. A major movie buff, and I loved Hocus Pocus and wanted more than anything to be transported back in time to the Salem Witch Trials! I wanted to live in that Hocus Pocus house so bad 
Love the little witch legs. This is brilliant. So worth it!
I dont know if I believe in ghosts…witches on the other hand!
Heidi xo
I’m NOT afraid of ghosts & I LOVE the house.
super awesome! I want one!
This is a classic Gingerbread House, a little honey. As usual i will ‘share’ it with my blog and facebook freinds. Have you see the latest blog? Summer Hill food festival last weekend – you must visit Summer Hill = the little shops and cafes are pretty spesh.
love it! and you can get some practice in for xmas house making!!! never thought of that before!
well done
Love those witch legs. You didn’t ride a bike? Well, it took me FOREVER to learn, and then I fell and fell. But, we can do food and that’s so much better.
Impressive as always! As for ghosts I used to have a recurring dream as a child of a witch and a frog??? Possibly too many fairytales…
That looks awesome! I have a strong desire to make a gingerbread house now
The witches legs are cute (and yes, I’m scared of ghosts!).
What a beautiful piece of art! Totally love it. Amazing work as always
I love this! You’re very creative. I love the mixed WOO/Halloween theming going on. What will you do next?
PS: My favourite film from childhood is ‘The Labryinth’ – a glittered David Bowie and a young Jennifer Connolly, what more could you want to watch?
This is fab! Iloved the Wizard of Oz too! Have you seen Wicked?Im a little scared of making houses for fear of a catastrophic collapse but you always make everythign look so easy
I might try a xmas house
Would you believe I just bought a set of gingerbread house cutters for $40 last week! How frustrating! Oh well, At least now I have a lovely recipe to use
Wow, wow, wow!!!!
The cookie house is cool as!!!
I think I agree with you, movies seemed better before… a part a few exceptions. The fact is that I only watch ‘Hollywood’ movies on the plane, in a good trip I can do a concentrated 7 movies (I don’t sleep on planes) so that I don’t feel like a total outcast at dinner parties when everybody talks about them!
The fact is that, having a choice (either for videos or going to the pictures) I only seem to watch ‘art movies’. My friends joke at me:
“If the movie doesn’t have subtitles Alessandra won’t come!”
Golly… they are right! Help me I am a snob!
Fantastic, that’s my Christmas present idea sorted. Mini gingerbread houses this year. Last year I did choc truffles and year before was Christmas fruit-cake. Was stuck on ideas but all sorted. Will go check out those cutters too.
That’s awesome! I’ve already ordered my Gingerbread House cutters (from Mini Gourmets… what a coincidence!) and now I can’t wait to make it!
I love gingerbread witchs house. So cute!
WOW! I cannot believe you made this. It looks totally amazing. Reminds of something out of a Tim Burton movie.
I really can’t say anything beyoond AMAZING! And a world beyoond what I rustled up in Year 10 Cooking Clas!
That’s so cute!
We actually made a gingerbread house last weekend, just for fun because the kids love them. I’m still not sure whether we’re supposed to celebrate Halloween in Australia, but perhaps a cake and a tea party might calm the restless natives.
I love it! Especially the legs sticking out from under the house! Ding dong, the witch is dead, the wicked old witch is dead!
How can you be so good at this?
Your creativity never fail to amaze me 
This is too adorable! I just want to crouch down and knock on that little cookie door and go “trick or treat!” Do you think a goblin will answer?
It’s spookylicious! Love it!
Whatva cheery, spooky Halloween house(lol). This, I know is something that will always be beyond me…
That looks FANTASTIC !!! Feel really inspired now!
The 20% off at Mini Gourmets is a great deal.
wow! that is so amazing! You have really inspired me to make a gingerbread house
Another beautiful masterpiece, Lorraine!! You’re the Michelangelo of cakes
Love it Lorraine !
WHAT a terrific, creative idea,
Could make these houses for different holidays throughout the year!
When lifting the roof, TRUE!
Used to fill mine with little lollies, candies too!
Thanks (once again) for inspiring me re something food to do!
Wow! Very impressive!
Wow this is amaaazing … love it!
Lorraine, I love your haunted house! I think it looks fantastic with the sides all black:) I love all the details, but my favorite is the legs of the wicked witch of the west! I spotted them right away! The little pumpkins are adorable too! We’ve made many “gingerbread”(out of graham crackers) haunted houses(two of my kids have October birthdays), but they’ve never been nearly as adorable as yours:)
Lorraine your gingerbread house is awesome!!
I ain’t afraid of no ghosts!!
And I love that house.
Fantastic job Lorraine this looks awesome. Halloween must be so much fun at your place.
So clever, so in awe of your talents Miss Lorraine, what a fabulous gingerbread house. Great theme too.
That’s fab Lorraine
1
(Wizard of Oz is still one of my fave movies… I like the Munchkins best)
Love it! Especially the door mat and witch’s legs! Such a cute idea!
I love it, I’m actually going to to be making my first Xmas Gingerbread house this year and I can’t wait!
Heeheehee… I knew those striped-stockinged legs looked familiar!
So clever! I love the legs sticking out of the house. I hope you have a Halloween party planned to show off this beauty. xoxo Mum
That is so clever, it looks fantastic!
I’m having a Halloween bday party for my boyfriend next weekend so might have to attempt it.
I’m going as the Wicked Witch of the West though so I hope I don’t end up like your version!
I absolutely adore your haunted gingerbread house! My favorite part? The wicked witch’s legs!
Erm… I think you’ve outdone yourself this year with this. When will you eat it?
Lorraine your gingerbread house is simply awesome!
wow this is awesome. I wish to make one too probably not as pretty ehmm gruesome as yours
WICKED! Love the witches legs sticking out from under the house. Are there ruby slippers on the feet?? Great job Lorraine and good luck with your entry in the competition!!! V
Ha ha love the wicked which of the east’s legs hanging out the side! Very cute house!
I love it, your house landed on the wicked witch. I can hear it in my head “Ding Dong the Witch is Dead”. I remember sitting on the floor in our living room with my sisters, parents in their chairs, watching The Wizard of Oz. It was only on tv once a year. You did a great job on your gingerbread house. It is so colorful and inviting. I am sure it tastes lots better than make it from a box with all the makings here in the states. I have never made a gingerbread house. I do not care for gingerbread, but my husband loves it. If I was there, I would definitely try yours. Homemade is the way to go. Made by you, awesome.
SOO much fun!!! I love all your spooky details!
You are amazing.
Aldi and Big W have spooky lollies this year I have mine already!
I once lived in a house that by all accounts was ‘haunted’ so yes I am afraid!
Your house is amazing.
You are most likely to win: makes the most freakin awesome gingerbread halloween house I have ever seen rather than Miss Predictability.
Another Halloween success! Love the Wicked legs sticking and, and I really want to nibble on your door!
This is brilliant! Love it! So much more interesting than Christmas gingerbread houses
I wish I was half as good as you at cake decorating! This looks so professional and cute!
i’ve seen your crazy halloween ideas for years and this is fabulous as usual! so much details too
I was thinking of you today as I was looking halloween recipes – so it was no surprise to see this recipe – great creation, and a nice taste of what is to come. The shape of the house looks a little coffin-like to me – not sure if that is coincidence or not! And I just noticed the legs – brilliant! My suggestion would be a black cat and a broom stick outside the house!
Awesome Lorraine, I was wondering what amazingness you would be pumping out this Halloween and you have not disappointed! Am busy going through your old posts now to come up with something to take to a party
You make the best Halloween creations! I watch more tv than movies too.
Adorable! Ding Dong the witch is dead, the wicked witch is dead…
i love your halloween gingerbread house! it definitely looks way too good to eat!
I knew your house would be suitably gory – I love the witches feet poking out!
I love the notquitenormal option of notquitenigella. I ain’t afraid of no ghosts!
oh ho, it’s time for the NQN Halloween party again, woohoo! Hope this gorgeous Witch’s House is just the beginning!
Bravo to you! This post is AWESOME! Your halloween gingerbread house is so cool.Thanks for sharing all of those photos with us. The evening shot is hilarious – love the close ups too!
This is just so perfect!
Oh wow, that looks absolutely wonderful, beautiful job!
*kisses* HH
That is AMAZING!!! The best ever gingerbread house!!! Love it!
Gingerbread houses! One of my favorite things! I love the Wizard of Oz reference and the pumpkins on the roof!
Oh my, this is simply too wonderful for words! I want to click my heels together and be as creative as you! Can you imagine everone’s black teeth after eating this?! xxx
I don’t know how you have time to do all of these wonderful creations and for all of them to turn out perfectly!
I don’t know if I am afraid of ghosts, but definitely afraid of strange noises when I am at home by myself.
This is amazing!!!!!! LOVE what you have done.. gingerbread haunted house hahaha ur just too creative! .. those little pumpkins are so cute!
WOW! This looks amazing! It must have taken so long to create. I am definitely going to make a Halloween Gingerbread House. I love the Wizard of Oz reference
I am SO GLAD I haven’t shared you with my daughter.
She would insist on me making this and well, no.
And there is no way I could make it as adorable as you.
What a mammoth effort!! Well done! Looks absolutely fantastic and so much detail!!! I’m sure you needed more than a stiff drink after completing that hahahaha
WOW!!!! That’s such a huge effort… must have taken you ages to create and loads of patience…..
It’s amazing
Wishing you n Mr.NNQ a spooky Halloween….
Cheers,
The Variable, Crazy Over Desserts – Nachiketa
Catch me on facebook @ Crazy Over Desserts
i love how the house tapers! bravo, lorraine–your effort and time are appreciated!
Love the detail you’ve put in Lorraine! Right down to the spooky night shot – love it! Stellar effort! And yes – petrified. I blame my superstitious mum.
This looks fantastic! great job!
Lorraine how gorgeous is that house!!! Love how it has fallen on the wicked witch Wizard of Oz style.
Not really but ask me again if I ever happen to see one
Great job on the Gingerbread House, I like how it’s a wonky shape.
I love the wicked witches little legs sticking out! that is such a fun touch – AND not predictable at all! This is the best and most unique gingerbread house I have seen!
Halloween is one of my favourite holidays too – My favourite memories were tick or treating when I was growing up in the states – all that sugar..
Such a beautiful work of art, well done Lorraine!
I love cookie houses and round moon doors, windows and gates… great little house, Lorraine… you have really inspired me to do something for Holloween!
That looks soooooooooooooooo cool~~
great work too =)
WOW! You did an amazing job Lorraine!
We normally don’t celebrate Halloween in our house but after reading your post I decided to make a house if my own. It was a touch of a pain but I love it just the same now it is finally finished … but I still think its all your fault that I even attempted it lol
LOVE the tribute to The Wizard Of Oz by the way ;0)
This is beautiful and fun. Well done. I take my hat off to you.
i absolutely adore this! My gingerbread cutter set is not nearly as spooky in design as your own design. Did you keep the template? If so, would you consider posting it to download? I LOVE LOVE LOVE it, especially the roof!
Fiona.
2 Trackbacks/Pingbacks
[...] Witch’s Gingerbread House [...]
[...] Halloween Gingerbread Witches House by Not Quite Nigella [...]
Post a Comment