Back many years ago in Fairy Tale Land on the outskirts of a large forest lived a poor woodcutter with his wife and two children. They boy named Hansel and the girl Gretal. There was a great famine in the land and the poor woodcutter was unable to provide his family with daily bread.

One night as the father and stepmother tossed in bed about their problems the wife thought of a solution. "Tomorrow we will take the children deep into the forest, light a fire, and leave them there." The father very reluctant at first painfully agreed.

The children were unable to sleep because of their hunger and they overheard their father and stepmother's conversation. Hansel said to Gretal, "don't worry we will come up with a plan". Hansel went out into the moon light night and filled his pockets with white pebbles that glittered like silver.

The next morning the children went deep into the forest to fetch wood. After sitting around the fire to keep warm, the children fell asleep. When they awoke Hansel said to Gretal, "Have no fear, when the moon is up we will follow the white pebbles back home". They walked through the night, and at daybreak, they reached their father's house. Their father rejoiced upon seeing then, however, the stepmother was very angry.

Not long there after they returned they heard their stepmother address their father again, "There is no food for us to survive on. We must take the children deeper into the woods this time."

At early dawn the woman awoke the children, but this time Hansel was unable to collect the white pebbles. The children received their small portion of bread for the day, and as they walked through the forest Hansel dropped bread crumbs along the way, hoping this would help them find their way home.

Again the stepmother told them, "sit by the fire and we will be back at the end of the day to fetch you". By midday Gretal had shared her bread with Hansel, for he had strewn his along their path. After taking a nap they awoke and it was dark. They waited for the full moon to start on their way home, however, the birds had eaten all their bread crumbs.

They wandered about all night and all the next day, but were unable to find their way out of the forest. Then, on the third day, very hungry the children followed a white song bird that leads them to a magnificent little house that was made from delicious gingerbread, and many types of scrumptious candies. It was a child's fantasy. Hansel immediately started eating the gingerbread and Gretal started at the candy. Soon, they heard a voice, "nibble, nibble little mouse, who is eating my house?" The hungry children kept on eating, suddenly a little old woman appeared at the door and invited them in. This woman was really a witch with red eyes and a keen sense of smell. Witches were known to cook people especially children and then have a big feast.

After many weeks of trying to fatten Hansel up, the witch was ready to feast. She told Gretal to fetch water for the large kettle. Gretal obeyed but was very upset and said, "We would have been better dying together in the forest," as she silently wept.

The next day the old witch wanted Gretal to check the extremely hot oven intending to shove her in and bake her as well. However, Gretal said, I do not know how to check the temperature." The angry witch pushed her aside and said, "watch me silly girl!". Without any remorse, and as quick as a blinking eye Gretal shoved the wicked old witch into the fiery oven.

Gretal raced out to the kitchen to free Hansel from his cage and they both hugged each other and ate lots of gingerbread and candy. After searching the witches house they found lots of pearls, precious gems and stones.

Hansel filled his pockets and Gretal filled her apron and they began looking for their father's home. After crossing a big lake on the back of a large white duck they saw their home. Running into the house their saddened father was overwhelmed with joy upon their return. He said, "I have not a happy day since you children were left and lost in the forest." He also told them their stepmother had died from bad health and her wicked ways. When Hansel and Gretal heard the news they emptied their pockets and apron throwing the precious stones all over the floor. Thus all their troubles had ended and the three of them lived happily ever after and that is the story about Hansel and Gretal and the famous gingerbread house.

Riesterer's has continued this same tradition for three generations. By making beautiful delicious gingerbread houses, gingerbread people as well as our newest gingerbread sleighs, for children of all ages to enjoy.