by Anne Evans
I’ve written before about The Holidays in The Cayman Islands. Caymanians love to celebrate – particularly Christian Holidays and especially Christmas.
In this post, I share with you some of our exceptional Cayman Holiday Creativity ranging from art that is edible ─ to that which is not ─ however, still “all natural.”
Why not start with our neighborhood Grocery Store, Foster’s Camana Bay, which aims to please all of us from Caribbean Natives to Expats to Holiday Tourists.
In addition to their personal-sized contributions to the Island’s Gingerbread Houses and their Yule Logs (both pictured in this post), there are sleighloads of Snowman Cup Cakes, Santa Claus Cookies, Cayman Cassava Cakes, and English Christmas Plum Puddings.
The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman Gingerbread House
The Ritz has constructed a most stunning display in its front lobby of a full sized Gingerbread House. It is actually big enough to walk into even though management only permits working elfs inside. Everyone else is restricted to sitting in Santa’s Big Red Chair outside for photo ops. A close up of the elfs at work suggests why (below) as did a Pastry Chef repairing the creation when we visited. If you inspect the door frame and top of the picket fence carefully, you might notice some gum drops have disappeared – presumably by sticky fingers and into sticky mouths.
Want to know how to replicate the Ritz’s Gingerbread House? Well, here are the ingredients.
The Westin Grand Cayman 7 Mile Beach Resort & Spa
The Westin’s Gingerbread House
I suppose The Westin’s design could be refered to as a Gingerbread House. After all, it is implied as being 2.82% Graham Crumbs [= (10lbs / 355lbs) x 100]. However, it is really all about the Chocolate … 57.75% to be specific[=((165+35+5) / 355lbs) x 100.
Given how expensive quality chcolate has become, it is well roped off from little (and more likely, adult) fingers. Alas, savor this artistic marvel at a distance.
The Westin’s Holiday Sand Sculpture
Although the figure changes, The Westin’s Holiday Sand Sculpture has been constructed annually since we arrived on the Island. (Unfortunately last year’s attempt met with some very UN-seasonal wind storms which significantly hampered the creative process.)
When we first encountered the sculpture this season during our 7 Mile Beach walk past The Westin, it was still a work in progress.
And this year, Mother Nature cooperated, so the endeavor was complete in time to enjoy on Christmas Day.
“Yes. Virginia, there is a Santa (Sand Sculpture)!” And just as with a Gingerbread House, you too can own your very own!
I was told by reliable sources that although this creation is inedible, it is not indestructable. On New Years Day, all of The Westin’s resident children are invited to kick it to smitherines!
Happy Holidays to All and May Your New Year Over Flow with Health & Well Being!!!
