Gingerbread (construction)

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 tbsp cinammon
• 1 tbsp ground ginger
• 2 tsp cloves
• 1/4 cup fancy molasses
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 tbsp water

Icing Ingredients

• 1 lb icing sugar
• 2 egg whites
• 1 1/2 tsp almond extract

Directions

1. Cream butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl, then add spices, salt, molasses, and baking soda.
2. Add flour then water to achieve dough consistency and chill overnight.
3. Preheat oven to 375º and roll out dough and cut shapes, bake in place for approximately 15 minutes.
4. Let gingerbread cool and trim pieces for assembly.
5. For royal icing, combine icing sugar and egg whites and mix carefully, then add almond extract once combined.