RI's Own Allergen-Friendly Gingerbread House

There are a lot of holiday traditions: trimming the tree, stringing up lights – and, for many, decorating a gingerbread house. Kids and parents have a sweet time putting together cookie walls, piped frosting, and sugary candy elements. And yet, asked A&J Bakery in Cranston, what about the kids who can’t indulge in gluten-filled fun? The establishment is known for their nut- and gluten-free goodies, and they have even crafted “The World’s Only Allergen-Friendly Gingerbread House Kit.”

A&J’s kit comes with all the fixings to make a traditional gingerbread house, minus the allergens: Ingredients do not include tree nuts, peanuts, gluten, wheat, soy, dairy, or sesame – plus they’re vegan. You get pre-baked gingerbread house pieces (hand-cut to prevent cross-contamination), a display board, five types of allergen-friendly candy (jelly beans, fruit discs, lollipops, rainbow tarts, and spice drops), and non-edible decorations (toy figurines). If your family is a newbie to cookie construction, don’t worry; instructions for assembly and two easy frosting recipes are included. Otherwise, dive right into the whimsy with your little one and have fun making a one-of-a-kind edible home, however haphazardly designed and decorated.

“These gingerbread house making memories can last forever,” A&J promises. These “do-it-yourself” kits are made-to-order and available for purchase online or in-store through December 24. If you’re curious to learn more, look on their website for a list of all ingredients, allergen facts, and FAQs.