How to Make the Gingerbread
Step1
Gather the ingredients for the gingerbread: 1 1/4 cups sugar, 3/4 cup molasses, 1/2 cup margarine or butter, 1 tbsp. cinnamon, 1 tbsp. ginger, 1 1/4 cups milk, 1 tbsp. baking soda and 6 3/4 cups flour.
Step2
Melt sugar, molasses, butter and spices over low heat. Pour in the milk and remove from heat. Let mixture cool.
Step3
In separate bowl, mix baking soda and flour and combine well.
Step4
Add flour mixture to liquids. Combine well into a dough. Sprinkle with a little extra flour, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 24 hours.
Step5
Roll out the gingerbread dough to approximately 1/4 inch. Use extra flour on the cutting board and the rolling pin if dough is sticky.
Step6
Cut out four rectangles of approximately 4 inches by 6 inches. The size doesn't really matter as long as all four rectangles match each other.
Step7
Use a small cookie cutter to cut windows in each rectangle. Move the rectangles to a cookie sheet.
Step8
Sprinkle crushed colored hard candies (like LifeSavers) into each window hole. These will melt in the oven and create a stained glass look.
Step9
Bake the rectangles in a 350 degree oven for 12 to 15 minutes. Let cool completely before building the candle.
How to Make the Royal Icing
Step1
Gather the ingredients: 3 large egg whites, 4 3/4 cups powdered sugar amd 1/2 tsp. cream of tartar.
Step2
Using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar at medium speed.
Step3
Add the powdered sugar a little at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat on high speed for 4 to 5 minutes or until icing thickens.
Step4
Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
How to Create the Candle
Step1
Fill a piping bag with Royal Icing.
Step2
Assemble the gingerbread rectangles into a square and pipe icing at each joint. Let icing harden for approximately 15 minutes before decorating.
Step3
Pipe icing along the top edges of the gingerbread square and decorate with small candies and sprinkles.
Step4
Place a votive candle in the middle of the gingerbread square. When you light it, the stained glass windows will glow softly.