The Best Gingerbread House Recipe

Ingredients

• DOUGH:
• 1 cup shortening
• 1/2 cup boiling water
• 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 1 cup dark molasses
• 6 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• ICING AND ASSEMBLY:
• 16 cups confectioners' sugar, divided
• 12 tablespoons meringue powder, divided
• 2 teaspoons cream of tartar, divided
• 1-1/2 cups warm water, divided
• Assorted candies like gumdrops, candy canes and chocolate rock candies