What to do with gingerbread houses after the holidays?
What to do with gingerbread houses after the holidays? Truffles. In crumb form, the coarseness of gingerbread houses are amazing for homemade truffles. It'll hold together creamy ingredients together like pumpkin puree or cream cheese. For example, this recipe at Wild Amor uses crushed graham crackers, but you can easily substitute with gingerbread house crumbs.
Do you throw away gingerbread house?
But as long as the house is fresh, it can be eaten within a few days of being assembled. If it sits around for a week or more, it will be stale. Then you can wrap it up carefully and take it out again next year, strictly for display.
Are you supposed to keep gingerbread houses?
Properly sealed and protected, you might be able to keep a gingerbread house looking good up to a year. If you are okay with making your house a non-edible creation, spray it with a clear lacquer, which is available at craft and hardware stores. You might need several coats for maximum protection.
Are gingerbread houses only for Christmas?
In the 17th century only professional gingerbread bakers were permitted to bake gingerbread with the only exceptions being Christmas and Easter. It is now a Christmas tradition in many parts of Europe to make and assemble a gingerbread house before Christmas which can then be decorated.