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Author Topic: Oops we are running out of time!  (Read 1063 times)

Offline closie72

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Oops we are running out of time!
« on: November 30, 2014, 11:16:07 am »
So my family is entering our hometown gingerbread contest and we are attempting to bake and build all in one day as my family lives far away. We have baked the pieces but did not realize they have to sit overnight. Can something be done to construct it in a few hours?

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Offline adamwerner

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Re: Oops we are running out of time!
« Reply #1 on: December 01, 2014, 07:27:21 am »
Wow.  I guess it all depends on your vision and the overall expectations for your project.  I would like say something encouraging here but in all honesty, I can't imagine doing a competition worthy Gingerbread project in one day.  In fact, I usually budget two or even three months for these types of projects because it can be really labor intensive and time consuming; even someone who loves doing this type of work (like I do) can get worn down after a few hours and I find that forcing myself to move forward will result in mistakes and/or sub-par results. Plus, there are technical constraints (such as the time it takes for royal icing to set up and the time it takes for gum paste to harden etc..) that would make attempting a project in a day a very difficult task. 

Again, I'm sorry I can't offer more encouraging advice but I suppose if I had only a day to complete my whole project I would scale things back significantly and go for something very simple like a simple four wall, one roof structure and keep the detail down to a minimum.  Most importantly, please keep in mind that these projects are supposed to be fun and don't beat yourself up too much.  As they say in all competitions, "there is always next year" and if nothing else, you can plan more effectively next year and create that 'killer entry' then.  Have fun and good luck!

Regards,
-Adam

Offline dralancraig

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Re: Oops we are running out of time!
« Reply #2 on: December 01, 2014, 04:47:35 pm »
 Here's a very quick way to "glue" your house together: use melted sugar. Put white granulated sugar in a large flat pan over low heat (it will look caramel colored when melted).  I use an electric frying pan.  Then dip sides of house into sugar and quickly secure to other pieces. The sugar is like superglue.  You must work fast once you have dipped it and be VErY careful because the sugar is VErY VERY hot and will blister your skin if you get any on you.

After the sugar has dried  (minutes later)you can pipe on Royal icing for a much prettier and finished look.
This was taught to me by a 3rd grade teacher who made many houses  all in one day at school.

Good Luck

Offline adamwerner

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Re: Oops we are running out of time!
« Reply #3 on: December 01, 2014, 10:23:36 pm »
Good advice, the melted sugar 'crazy glue' method works well for simple structures.  When I was first starting out with gingerbreading, some 20+ years ago I would use the melted sugar glue because I had not yet mastered Royal Icing and therefore lacked confidence that things would hold together sufficiently with Royal.  Of course, once I became comfortable with Royal Icing I never went back to melted sugar.  I think the key with Royal Icing is getting a 'feel' for the proper consistancy.  It should be more like a putty than an icing, if made correctly.  Although melted sugar can work well, I do believe properly made Royal Icing is easier to make and use and [importantly] much more flexible and forgiving than melted sugar. With Royal Icing you can ease the position of a piece before the Royal is completely dried; can't do that with melted sugar since once the melted sugar cools its pretty much permanent and readjusting  positions are not an option.  Plus, melted sugar can start to weep' and breakdown after awhile; something that never seems to happen with Royal.  But they both have their uses, especially for beginngers.

Regards,
-Adam

Offline dralancraig

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Re: Oops we are running out of time!
« Reply #4 on: December 02, 2014, 01:55:26 pm »
All that you mention is true. But, When you are in a hurry, nothing beats  melted sugar.

I always pipe over the sugar which greatly reduces "weeping"

 

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