**Homemade Manger Scene: A Culinary Nativity Masterpiece**
During the festive season, culinary creations take center stage, bringing joy and warmth to hearts and homes. Among these culinary wonders, the homemade manger scene stands out as a centerpiece of creativity, combining the spirit of Christmas with the art of baking. This edible masterpiece is a delectable representation of the nativity scene, featuring an array of sweet treats that bring the Christmas story to life. From the humble stable to the shining star, every element is meticulously crafted using a variety of cookies, candies, and other sweet ingredients. With recipes for gingerbread cookies, sugar cookies, and a variety of frosting and decorations, this article provides a step-by-step guide to creating a stunning edible manger scene that will be the centerpiece of your holiday celebrations.
GINGERBREAD NATIVITY CRECHE
This gingerbread creche is the flavorful foundation for cookie decorator Dani Fiori's edible Nativity scene. Also try: Donkey Sugar Cookie, Sheep Sugar Cookie
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Cookie Recipes
Yield Makes 1 creche
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Whisk together flour, baking soda, and baking powder into a large bowl. Set aside.
- Place butter and brown sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment; mix on medium speed until fluffy. Mix in spices and salt, then eggs and molasses. Reduce speed to low. Add flour mixture; mix until just combined. Divide dough into thirds; wrap each in plastic. Refrigerate until cold, about 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Roll out dough on a lightly floured work surface to 1/4-inch thick. Using creche-shaped cookie cutters, cut one center piece and two end pieces. Transfer to baking sheet. Stick two toothpicks in the bottom edge of each cookie.
- Bake cookies until crisp but not dark, 12 to 14 minutes. Let cool on sheets on wire racks.
- Meanwhile, mix together royal icing with brown gel paste until desired dark brown shade is reached. Transfer to a small squirt bottle with a wide tip. Draw a wood or faux-bois design on creche. Let dry completely before assembling on foam or on a cake.
SHEEP SUGAR COOKIE
Arrange these sheep from cookie decorator Dani Fiore as part of a Christmas cookie Nativity scene, or serve them as a sweet baby-shower treat. Also try: Donkey Sugar Cookie, Gingerbread Nativity Creche
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Dessert & Treats Recipes Cookie Recipes
Yield Makes 1 cookie
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Mix together some royal icing with black and brown gel paste until desired dark-brown shade is reached. Transfer to a small squirt bottle with a wide tip. Leaving 1/4-inch border, outline the face and legs of the sheep. Draw several zigzags across entire surface of the outlined area. If necessary, use a toothpick to spread evenly. Place dragees on face to form eyes. Let dry completely.
- Mix together some royal icing with white or black coloring until desired shade is reached. Leaving a 1/4-inch border, outline body of sheep. Draw several zigzags across entire surface of outlined area. Cover with marshmallows or coated chocolate candies. Let dry completely.
Tips:
- Choose the right materials: Use lightweight materials that are easy to cut and shape, such as cardboard, foam board, or wood.
- Plan your design: Sketch out your manger scene on paper before you start cutting and assembling the materials. This will help you ensure that everything fits together properly.
- Cut and shape the materials: Use a sharp craft knife or scissors to cut the materials to the desired shapes. Be careful not to cut yourself.
- Assemble the manger scene: Glue or tape the materials together to create the manger scene. Make sure that everything is secure so that the scene doesn't fall apart.
- Add details: Use paint, markers, or other materials to add details to the manger scene, such as animals, hay, and a star.
- Light the manger scene: If you want to light up the manger scene, use battery-operated lights or candles. Make sure that the lights or candles are safe and won't cause a fire.
Conclusion:
Creating a homemade manger scene is a great way to celebrate the Christmas season with your family and friends. With a little planning and effort, you can create a beautiful and meaningful scene that will be enjoyed for years to come.
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