This is a fun gift to make and the kids of all ages love them.
Using your own recipe, mix up a batch of gingerbread.
Materials Needed:
paper
pencil
scissors
knife
string
chopsticks
icing
toothpick
baking sheet
On the paper draw a 6" x 4"rectangle. This is the body. It does not have to be exact. On top of the rectangle, overlapping slightly, draw a 1 1/2"-2" circle. This is the head. Cut out and set aside.
On the remaining paper draw a 2" x 3/4" oval. Now draw another 2" x 3/4" oval and add a 3/4" circle to the end overlapping slightly. These are the upper and lower arms. Cut out and set aside.
Next draw a 4" x 1 1/2" oval. Now draw another 4" x 1 1/2" oval. On a scrap of paper that is left, draw a 1" x 3/4" oval. Cut out this oval and lay it on one of the 4" x 1 1/2" ovals overlapping the end slightly. These pieces are the upper leg and lower leg with boot. You now have all of your patterns. After you get comfortable with it you can alter the patterns by adding hats and props that personalize the treats for the individual recipients.
Roll out your dough and using your knife, lightly trace around each pattern. Note that you will need two of each arm and leg piece but only one of the body.
Using a toothpick, gently poke a hole at each shoulder, at the top of the head, at each end of the upper arm and upper leg, at each end of the lower arm and lower leg, and at the lower body where each leg will attach.
Bake as directions require.
Once cooled, decorate your heart out. Using different icing and icing tips, create clothing, buttons, epaulettes, hair, jewelry, etc. (You can make girl cookies by replacing the upper leg with a skirt shaped piece.)
Now tie the shoulders to the upper arm, the upper arm to the lower arm, the upper leg to the body and the lower leg to the body.
Tie two chopsticks together in the center so they create an "X". Don't make it too tight. You want some play. Attach the head to the center of the "X" by tying a string from the head to the intersection. Now tie the hands to the ends of the "X" behind the head and the feet to the ends of the "X" in front of the head. You can vary this also once you get more familiar. You now have an edible puppet. You can ice the name of each child on the back or continue the outfit onto the back if you wish. You choose.
Above all else, just have fun and enjoy the holidays.
"Copyright 2006, Mary Welling-Bonney & Suite 101. All rights reserved. Any unauthorized use will constitute an infringement of copyright."
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History of Christmas Ornaments
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Ornaments to use or give as gifts
gift bags for the kids to make
