Lauren Bohl White, pastry chef at Aspinwall’s Local Provisions, helps parents and kids build gingerbread houses during the holidays. No two are exactly alike, but everyone leaves with the same joyful holiday spirit when they go to Gingerbread House Classes at Local Provisions.
If you want to try it yourself, take a look at her Gingerbread House Recipe!
Taking a Gingerbread House Class at Local Provisions
As the in-house pastry chef at Local Provisions Market & Café in Fox Chapel Plaza, Lauren Bohl White has built a loyal following for her signature treats — from chocolate chip cookies to Rice Krispie bars and chocolate snack cakes. Before coming to Pittsburgh, she ran a custom wedding cake business in New York City. Now, her focus turns to gingerbread, inviting families to join her for festive, hands-on classes.
“It’s a fun community way to have people come in,” says Lauren. “It’s a stressful time of year. We want to make it magical.” Parents can join in the decorating or unwind with a glass of wine while their kids craft sugary masterpieces and sip hot chocolate.
How the Gingerbread Classes Work
Constructing gingerbread houses can be challenging, but Lauren’s years of experience building flawless tiered cakes make it a piece of cake. To keep things light and stress-free, she preps everything in advance. Each participant receives a pre-assembled house, piping bag of icing, and assorted candies — letting creativity take center stage.
Creative Candy Ideas for Gingerbread Houses
Lauren hunts for candy at Market District, Aldi, and Grandpa Joe’s, selecting sweets that double as design elements — M&Ms, gumdrops, gummy ropes, silver dragées, sprinkles, Red Hots, and Skittles. “Ask yourself, ‘What can you make with the candy?’” she says. “Cut gumdrops into flowers. Give it a little sparkle.”
Tips for Making a Gingerbread House at Home
If you’re inspired to try this at home, Lauren recommends having kitchen shears, small piping tips (No. 2 or 3), and a paintbrush for dusting on “snow.” Once you’ve mastered the basics, get creative — one class participant even built a replica of her own house, complete with lighted gelatin windows.
If you plan to eat your creation, proceed with care. The gingerbread is meant for building, not snacking. Lauren laughs, “If you’re going to eat it, dunk it in hot chocolate.”
Sign Up for Local Provisions Classes
Local Provisions offers family-friendly gingerbread house classes and adult workshops for groups of up to 12. Find the schedule and other special events by signing up for the newsletter at localprovisionspgh.com/get-updates.
Story by Susan Fleming Morgans
Photography by Jeff Swensen
Shot on location at Local Provisions
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