From Amelia Island Living.com

17 Foot Gingerbread Ship At Ritz-Carlton

Posted in: Amelia Island Community

By W. B. Lawson
Dec 12, 2007 - 12:45:53 PM

17-Foot Gingerbread Ship, Amelia Island Ritz-Carlton

How long does it take to bake and assemble a 17-foot gingerbread ship? The Ritz-Carlton knows! Their talented executive pastry chef, Sheldon Millet, and his team spent 106 hours to create this year's gingerbread masterpiece. Enter the Ritz-Carlton to enjoy the wonderful aroma of gingerbread filling the lobby air, and bring your camera!

Anyone who has baked a regular-sized gingerbread house from scratch knows that even making a tiny home-made gingerbread house is labor-intensive. Those who have attempted homemade gingerbread houses can really appreciate the effort and accomplishment of the Ritz chefs in creating their enormous gingerbread creations every year during the holiday season.

Dubbed "The S.S. Ginger," the 2007 gingerbread ship was inspired by "the Mexican Congress," the ship Luis Aury sailed to Amelia Island in 1817, arriving in Fernandina's port.

Oceanfront Christmas Tree 2007, Amelia Ritz-Carlton

A 17-foot long gingerbread ship requires a truck load of ingredients. Consider 3,000 egg whites, 1,200 pounds of flour, 450 pounds of granulated sugar, 300 pounds of light brown sugar, 150 pounds of powdered sugar. Various spices, including 5 pounds of ginger, and 7 and a half pounds of cinnamon. Imagine using 90 pounds of molasses and 300 pounds of shortening, plus 15 gallons of milk. Understanding the quantity of ingredients helps to put into perspective this massive undertaking -- mixing ingredients, baking all the pieces, and then assembling the gingerbread structure.

A gingerbread creation is an annual tradition at Amelia Island's Ritz-Carlton during the holiday season, and is usually placed in the lobby the week of Thanksgiving. A visit to the Ritz-Carlton to admire the work of the Ritz elves -- the masterful chefs -- is something that should be high on your list of things to do this holiday season. Also enjoy the beautiful outdoor Christmas tree in the Ritz-Carlton's oceanfront courtyard, this year glittering in all-white lights. Have dinner, some cocktails, or coffee at the Ritz and enjoy the holiday ambiance. If you'd like to check availability for a dinner reservation, call the Ritz at 904-277-1100. Have a wonderful holiday season!