Gingerbread Madness!

WORDS: CHYKA KEEBAUGH

IMAGES: MARCEL AUCAR

GINGERBREAD : Michelle’s Cookies

Once upon a time, in a land filled with sugar and spice, the enchanting tale of the gingerbread house unfolded, creating a delicious tradition that has delighted both young and old for centuries. But why do we make gingerbread houses at this time of year?

Once upon a time, clever bakers in ancient Greece concocted a mixture of honey and ginger, creating what would later be known as gingerbread. As trade routes expanded, this sweet biscuit journeyed through Europe, evolving with regional twists and turns. The gingerbread house gained fame in the 19th century thanks to the Brothers Grimm and their fairy tale, "Hansel and Gretel." In this magical story, a wicked witch lured the hungry siblings with a house made of gingerbread adorned with sugary delights. Little did Hansel and Gretel know that this tale would inspire bakers worldwide.

As Christmas traditions evolved, so did the association of gingerbread with the holiday season. The first gingerbread houses as we know them began to appear in Germany during the 16th century, often adorned with almonds and other sweets. These delicious structures quickly became an integral part of holiday festivities. In modern times, gingerbread houses have become a beloved holiday tradition worldwide. Families gather to decorate their gingerbread creations, turning the kitchen into a festive workshop filled with laughter, sugary chaos, and plenty of taste-testing.

Now that you know, when will you pick up your festive Gingerbread House?