Cracking the Science of Gingerbread at the Discovery Cube OC

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Your mission, if you choose to accept it will have you strapping on your aprons and heading into the world of a beloved classic holiday dessert while learning how science plays a crucial role in the kitchen. With the use of heat, math, engineering and other important components in order to bake and create the confections everyone loves, the 12th Annual Science of Gingerbread event at the Discovery Cube OC will surely get you into the holiday spirit. Budding confection fans can build a candy car out of holiday treats and then compete, sweet-to-sweet in the Gingerbread Derby. Make your last ditch effort to convince Santa Claus you deserve to be on the "Good List" during his special appearances plus a whole lot more!

Gingerbread house making is no joke! Every year at this annual event the competition and creativity just get better, are you up to the challenge? Join in on the Competition, you can submit entries November 18th through December 3rd! The Science of Gingerbread competition is simple! Design and build your very own delectable creation for a chance to win some awesome prizes! Anyone can enter and family participation is greatly encouraged. Local schools, families, and businesses compete in this annual event, so stop by and view your friends’ and colleagues’ creations during the event that runs November 24th through December 31st and is included with your Cube admission.

So my daughter isn't quite into all the decorating of the houses yet but what I did discover during our special visit to the Discovery Cube was that she is interested in the baking part. She really liked rolling out the dough, using the cookie cutter and watching the icing being created. Her favorite part was eating the finished cookies, can't blame her and honestly two out of three steps is a good start in the right direction, right. What was awesome about making the gingerbread houses was the "us" time, celebrating our little wins when we got two walls to stick together and laughing when they didn't. So no matter what or how you make your one of a kind creation, the important part is to just do it together as a family. So from our trials and errors, here are a few tips on creating that house that will stand the test of time, or at least through the holiday season. 

• Icing holds best if you are looking to make an edible house. (takes a bit to set though)
• Hot glue can be your best friend (if creating a non edible house)
• Melted chocolate bonds well but dries faster than icing.
• If using chocolate, keep on hand a bowl of hot water as the chocolate will Harden 
• You can use cardboard on interior walls for support if creating taller structures
• Plan out your design before you start (so icing doesn't sit too long)
• When making your own Gingerbread, you have the unlimited options of shapes and sizes by making your own templates from paper or any object you have on hand.
• Be creative in your decorations, look through your pantry and be creative!
• Have fun, there is no wrong design!

Have an idea for a prefect house and want to enter?  Get the entry form and all the rules here: Science Of Gingerbread

Looking to make your own Gingerbread to enter the competition or to just make some yummy cookies, here is a fool proof recipe that takes no time to make and that will leave your home smelling beyond amazing! 

The Science of Gingerbread event  runs November 24th through December 31st and is included with your Cube admission. Be sure to experience the spirit of the holiday season when Santa Claus drops in for a visit November  24 – 26 and December 2, 3, 9, 10, 16-24, 11am – 3pm. All the info on tickets, hours and more can be found below!