Gingerbread Robot
Adapted by Rosamaria Ramirez

A fun, do-at-home project for kids!
(makes 2 robots)

What you need...

•1 cup butter at room temperature
•1 3/4 cups brown sugar
•1 1/4 cups white sugar
•2 tablespoons molasses
•6 eggs
•7 cups all-purpose flour
•2 teaspoons baking soda
•1 tablespoon ground ginger
•1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
•1 tablespoon allspice

• Line several cookie sheets with aluminum foil. Butter and flour the foil.
• In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugars. Beat in the molasses and eggs.
• In another large bowl, sift dry ingredients. Combine mixtures and knead into a smooth ball using more flour as needed. Cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes.
• Turn oven on to 350F. It will only take about 12 to 15 min to bake.
• On a well-floured surface, roll out a small amount of the dough until it's 1/4 inch thick. Cut out pattern pieces and place them on the dough and cut around the edges.
• Gently, using the spatula, lift the dough and place it on the prepared cookie sheet.
• Keep the unused dough well covered in the refrigerator.
• Bake at 350 for 12-15 minutes or until browned.
• Allow to cool and assemble with icing (see following recipe).

• 3 egg whites
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar
• 3 - 3 1/2 cups icing sugar

• In a large bowl, beat the egg whites until they begin to foam.
• Add the cream of tartar and beat until the whites are stiff but not dry.
• Gradually beat in the icing sugar, beating for about 5 minutes until it reaches spreading consistency.
• Keep it covered and refrigerated until needed. Use to put the robot together.