Tis the season for Egg Nog, regifted Fruit Cake and Chestnuts roasted on an open fire. But what’s a holiday season without Gingerbread? How could we resist our kids excitement for decorating their very own Gingerbread house. The truth is, the tedious work and carpal tunnel we suffer from after making the Gingerbread shapes give us all motive to find another way to involve children in the kitchen. Store bought kits are overpriced, stale or broken and usually leave an even bigger mess behind. Lucky for us, three generations of bakers at Garguilo’s Bakery in St. James have been keeping parents and kids happy with custom Gingerbread House Kits baked fresh and available for pick up for under $30.
Ask the kids at Harbor Country Day School, who get a visit from Pastry Chef Michael Garguilo Jr. each year, how much they love decorating his gingerbread houses. The kits are equipped with pre-made rooftops and walls, a plastic assembly tray, two bags of Royal Icing and everything needed to decorate sidewalks, window trim and cover the rooftop in snowy white icing. Pair each House, or start off small, with a family of five dapper gingerbread men, which sell separately for $7 per package. Extra bags of Royal Icing run at a mere $2 a bag.
Looking to do a little good this holiday season? Drop off a children’s gift at the Toys for Tots station inside the bakery. While you’re there, pick up organic doggie treats, individual sized pot pies or check out the gluten-free section. Ask the staff about all the seasonal specials available, including holiday cookie trays, catering options and wedding/special event cakes.
Garguilo’s Bakery is located at 503 Lake Avenue in St James (631) 584-9400