AMELIA ISLAND, FL – November 21, 2007 – In a new twist on the traditional holiday gingerbread house, The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island has unveiled a 17 feet long, 12 feet high gingerbread pirate ship in the resort’s lobby. Complete with masts and crow’s nest, the ship includes gingerbread cannons with chocolate cannonballs and a treasure chest.
The resort’s pastry chefs and carpenters logged over 300 hours on this project, including 27 hours constructing the wooden base for the pirate ship and 175 baking hours. Consisting of 1,200 pounds of flour, 450 pounds of granulated sugar, 300 pounds of light brown sugar, 150 pounds of powdered sugar, 3,000 eggs, 435 egg whites, 300 pounds of shortening, 15 gallons of milk, 90 pounds of molasses, seven pounds of cinnamon, five pounds of ginger, two pounds of allspice, ground cloves and nutmeg, the pirate ship is one “sweet†vessel.
The concept of the gingerbread pirate ship is inspired by the “Mexican Congress,†Privateer Luis Aury’s ship. While sailing for the Mexican government, Luis Aury landed on Amelia Island in 1817. Another privateer, Gregor McGregor, was leaving the island and his unpaid crew of 100. Aury made a deal with McGregor to assume control of all military efforts and thus held the island for the Republic of Mexico until the United States of America gained control of Amelia Island in 1821.
On display in the resort’s lobby until December 28th, the gingerbread pirate ship will allow resort guests and locals alike to explore coastal treasures with a holiday theme. Every Friday evening, Pirate Luis Aury along with his parrot, Amelia, can be found leading a rum toast in the resort’s lobby lounge.
Visit www.ritzcarlton.com or call The Ritz-Carlton toll-free at (800) 241-3333.