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1
In a mixing bowl, on medium speed, cream together the butter, brown sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and salt.
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2
Add the molasses, mixing until incorporated.
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3
Add the flour, 1 cup at a time, and mix each cup until just combined.
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4
With the mixer running, slowly add the water.
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5
Spread the dough out on a sheet pan, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate it until you're ready to roll it out (ideally overnight, three hours minimum).
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6
Keep gingerbread cool while working with it.
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7
Dust with flour to avoid sticking.
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8
Brush away excess flour after cutting.
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9
Roll out dough to 1/4-inch thickness.
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10
Apply even pressure on rolling pin to avoid variance in thickness.
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11
Cut out house pieces using your cardboard templates.
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12
A dough wheel works best.
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13
Use a paring knife for corners.
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14
Bake pieces in a preheated 350 degree oven for approximately 20 minutes or until dough is set well.
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15
Crisp gingerbread is a must for a lasting structure.
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16
Allow pieces to cool completely before assembly-overnight is ideal.
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17
If pans are not level transfer warm pieces carefully onto the counter surface so they set completely flat.
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18
In the bowl of a mixer, blend the above ingredients together and mix on medium-high speed for 3 minutes.
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19
Keep covered with a damp towel to prevent a crust from forming on the icing.
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20
ASSEMBLY FOR GINGERBREAD HOUSES: Windows should be decorated before assembly.
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21
Colored flow icing, crushed candies, melted leaf gelatin, marzipan, etc.
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22
Mix royal icing and keep covered with a damp towel.
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23
Assemble house on the a 12-inch round base of your choice.
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24
Start with a front piece and a side piece using royal icing liberally on the inside.
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25
The 2 pieces should stand without assistance.
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26
Assemble remaining pieces in the same fashion.
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27
Roof pieces may need support to counteract gravity, sugar boxes, soda cans work well.
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28
Time to decorate your house.
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29
Necco wafers make excellent roof shingles.
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30
Chocolate covered raisins will build a chimney.
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31
Red hots, jelly beans, chocolate chips, gummi bears -- use your imagination in the candy aisle.
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32
Finish with royal icing and dust with snow-donut sugar looks best.