Arts & Culture Magazine - January/February 2008 - (Page 20) January/February Extra! Extra! Artworthy happenings around town. 2008 Architectural Delights from Ginger Mouse By Diana Colson Large Valentine Candy House by Ginger Mouse. The house of the Ginger Mouse is a marvelous place: fragrant, colorful, and filled with delights. The doorway leads into a fairy tale workshop where dozens of Candy Houses are in various stages of construction. Shelves are lined with finished creations in assorted sizes, each one a work of art. Homelike and charming, an oversized, polka dot couch beckons with a warmth equal to the scent of chocolate in the air. A fireplace and rocking chair are in one corner, while an enormous workbench dominates the center of the room. Dozens of different colored candies in brilliant wrappings are scattered about, like the baskets overflowing with a rainbow of ribbons. Red ‘Royal Icing’ churns in a mixing bowl, and a young man spoons it into a pastry bag. “It’s construction cement,” he explains. His name is Joe, and he is the third child of Shannon S. Warren, the creator of these spectacular Candy Houses. Shannon started making Candy Houses some 20 years ago, first for her own children, and later as gifts. So accomplished were her culinary architectural skills that she soon was selling her unique ginger mansions in Palm Beach, where she lived. Upon moving to Sarasota, she opened the shop as more of a hobby than a business, until Mary L. Forte walked in. She bought four, and mailed them away to ecstatic friends and family, reminders of the gingerbread houses of their childhoods. “Ever think of making this a serious business?” asked Mary. And so it began. The two women went to candy shows in New York City and Chicago, where they found exotic sweets from every part of the world. Shannon became ‘The Kid In The Candy Shop’, enthralled by the decorative possibilities. “We want this business to have legs,” announced Mary. Candy Houses are now offered for birthdays, Thanksgiving, Valentine’s Day, Halloween, Christmas, Hanukah, new babies and any special order. There is even a Doggie Candy House for The Puppy In Your Life, made entirely of dog treats. All can be ordered online. Workshops are given each Saturday during the holidays, where people build Magical Candy Houses to their own specifications. Ginger Mouse is located at 2119 First Street. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 10am-5pm. Call 941.954.4900 or visit www.gingermouse.com for more information. 20 : : arts and culture magazine http://www.gingermouse.com
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