How do I build a gingerbread Eiffel Tower?

Question

Preferably with tips of how to make it look realistic in a way. Thank you!

Answer 1

As Event Coordinator at Michaels for 7 years, I was frequently asked to demonstrate Wilton Gingerbread Houses. You don't say what the source is for your gingerbread. If you are baking it yourself, make the pieces as flat as you can. You may also need to sand the pieces before assembling, to make sure the joining edges are not rounded.

You need to make an armature, or frame, for anything as proportionately tall as an Eiffel Tower. I'd use foam core, which you can glue with low melt hot glue, then frost the gingerbread into place to hide the foam core. You will also probably need to dowel the pieces together with toothpicks....don't trust the frosting, not with all that weight and height.

It sounds like a cool project...good luck with it!

Answer 2

Oh man, this is going to take a LOT of gingerbread. So, unless you're willing to put forth the money, I'd start by asking for donations, first from family and friends and local charities. Maybe if some news people got ahold of the story, you could ask for donations there. I don't know the exact amount you'll need (you'd probably do good to find some original blueprints) but since it's 324 meters tall, that's a LOT of gingerbread.
Now, gingerbread isn't structurally sound, so that's another factor to think about. You'll need to make supports.
Furthermore, you must consider carefully which frosting will work best. Again, thinking of structure and weight. Colour will be an important piece as well. You'd want something that matches that irony hue.
Now, for realism (although size alone might just be the ticket), you can add lights and restaurants and ice skating.
Don't forget to plan for adequate space to build a gingerbread Eiffel Tower.

Answer 3

G,
this is going to be quite the challenge. I took a class in making gingerbread houses once. You need a recipe that will stand up well. Look around for the Austrian method of gingerbread making. It will be rather thick for the Eiffel Tower. I would make the bottom of the tower a box, then use a pastry tube to pipe the frosting on it in the design of the tower. The way the bottom of the legs curve in would make most gingerbread buckle under the weight. Could you choose something else? I don't think even experienced competition pastry chefs would try to build the Eiffel Tower.

Answer 4

Find some thick (and not cheap brand) icing which will hold the ginger bread together well.

Answer 5

that is an ambitious project...i haven't a clue. so you get a gold star in the hopes that i may learn something

Answer 6

Very carefully!