Wow! Irish chef recreates iconic Home Alone house out of gingerbread

For the past seven years, Christmas season has been marked by a very sweet tradition: Clare Purcell, the beloved pastry chef at the Bridge House Hotel in Tullamore, Co Offaly, unveiling her now-annual spectacular gingerbread creation.  

This year, the theme is inspired by the classic Christmas movie Home Alone, aligning with the spirit of the Late Late Toy Show. 

Creating this edible masterpiece required immense preparation and a touch of Christmas magic.

Clare spent over 40 hours meticulously planning, preparing and measuring to ensure the house was ensuring each detail perfectly matched the spirit of the film.

The final gingerbread house includes: 

• 10kg of icing sugar 

• 10kg of fondant 

• 1kg of desiccated coconut (for snow!) 
• 40 sheets of gingerbread, each larger than an A4 sheet 

A pillar of the Bridge House Hotel kitchen for over 26 years, Clare has become synonymous with festive cheer.

Her gingerbread artistry has previously taken the form of other enchanting structures such as Hogwarts from Harry Potter, Disney’s iconic castle, and even a tribute to local landmarks like the Tullamore General Hospital and Tullamore town square – and the hotel itself.  

Clare’s gingerbread houses are not just culinary marvels; they’re architectural feats. Each window, roof tile, and candy cane detail are crafted with precision.

This labour of love is not for consumption - each house is proudly displayed in the Bridge House Hotel lobby until Women’s Little Christmas in January, providing a festive centrepiece for guests and visitors alike. 

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