Christmas is just a few weeks away which is why now is the perfect time to get in the holiday spirit! And what better way to start than by building a gingerbread house!? Sure its a fun activity for kids with colorful candies and an edible frame, but gingerbread houses are not relegated to child's play! Essentially all you really have to do is find your favorite gingerbread recipe, roll out the dough, then cut shapes that would create a house. If you're feeling lazy and want a shortcut, Sur La Table sells two different DIY kits both costing around $30. One is a bit easier and just requires icing pieces together then decorating, while the other is more hands-on and actually calls for baking all pieces. But let's face it, you don't really need to shell out the bucks for either of these kits. And just think, that wafting aroma of sweet and spicy yumminess wafting through your home, plus a dinner table center piece. Nice. Homemade Gingerbread House Start with your favorite gingerbread cookie recipe like this one from Bon Appetit. However, since you're making a house, double the recipe to make sure you have enough dough. First decide on the size of the house and cut a piece of cardboard as the base. If you're unsure how big to go, follow this printable outline form from King Arthur. Or, be your own architect and on a piece of cardboard trace the outline for all sides of the house including the roof and cut out. Don't forget a door and windows. After rolling out dough, place outlines atop dough and cut around using knife. Make sure to cut out other details you may want to add like trees, people, etc. You can use cookies cutters for these. Transfer dough to oven and bake. Make Icing. Keep bowl covered if not using immediately because the icing dries quickly. Icing: 3 egg whites 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar 1 (16 oz box) powdered sugar Using icing, glue sides of house together making sure to use extra icing around the base. Let sit 45 minutes. Glue on roof. Once all piece are assembled, decorate away! Tip: If your walls don't stick together, use cans to hold them up until fully dry.