This delightfully rustic and whimsical creation makes a sweet wintry scene. Build it on a foil-lined inverted jelly roll pan or a large cake board and decorate to your heart's content. Download the cutting diagram and pattern pieces, then follow these instructions to assemble the fireplace.
- Portion size 1 serving
- Credits : Canadian Living Magazine: December 2013
Ingredients
Royal Icing:
Method
Print out pattern pieces and cutting diagram at 100 percent; trace pattern pieces onto card stock or cardboard. Cut out to make templates.With small sharp knife and working with 1 cookie sheet, cut out fireplace front and back; cut out opening of fireplace front.
Working with second cookie sheet, fit and cut out remaining pattern pieces as indicated in cutting diagram. Working with third cookie sheet, trim edges to straighten for base.
Make- ahead: Layer pieces between waxed paper in airtight container and store for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 weeks.
Royal Icing: In large bowl, beat egg whites until foamy, 30 to 60 seconds. Beat in icing sugar, 1 cup at a time, until thick and glossy, about 4 minutes. Cover with damp tea towel to prevent drying out.
Make-ahead: Overwrap towel-covered bowl with plastic wrap; refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Mix well before using.
Using piping bag fitted with medium plain tip, pipe icing along 1 long edge of fireplace back; attach to centre of base 2 inches (5 cm) from back edge, smooth side facing out. Prop with cans to support if necessary.
Pipe along 1 short and 1 long edge of fireplace side; attach to inside of fireplace back, smooth side facing out. Repeat with remaining fireplace side on opposite side.
Pipe along bottom and inside edge of sides of fireplace front; attach to fireplace sides, smooth side facing out.
Pipe along all edges of mantel top; attach to top of fireplace front, smooth side facing up. Let dry until firm, 1 hour, supporting with cans as necessary.
Meanwhile, pipe along long edge of 1 chimney side and attach to inside long edge of 1 chimney front/back, smooth side facing out. Repeat with remaining chimney side and front/back. Pipe along long edges and attach to make chimney. Let stand until dry, about 1 hour, supporting with cans as necessary.
Pipe along back of mantle ledge; attach to top of fireplace, smooth side facing out. Let dry until firm, about 1 hour.
Pipe along 1 open end of chimney; centre at top of mantel. Pipe along 2 long edges of chimney plate; attach longest edge to centre-front of mantel top, angling to attach to chimney.
Using icing and assorted candies, decorate fireplace, tinting some of the icing if desired. Decorate chimney, mantel and make a fire as desired. Let dry until firm, about 3 hours.
