I love Willy Wonka. Not Gene Wilder Willy Wonka or Johnny Depp Willy Wonka. I mean the actual Willy Wonka, the candy factory that's churning out brightly-colored, fruit-flavored goodies right this very minute. Nerds, Gobstoppers, Runts, even Pixie-Stix and Fun Dip. I like them way better than chocolate or cookies.
My taste in candy has never evolved past my childhood. The sweeter and fruitier, the better. I should probably be ashamed to admit my penchant for high fructose corn syrup, carnauba wax, and yellow #5. Or the fact that I actually prefer artificial banana flavor over real banana flavor. But, I'm not ashamed. I like what I like, and I like Willy Wonka.
With Halloween just behind us, my pantry is well-stocked with my favorite Willy Wonka candies. Some of these are very similar to those that are included in the gingerbread house kits that can be purchased by contestants in the Friends of the Library's Gingerbread Cottage Build.
Stop by the library any time in November and pick up a cottage kit entry for $20. Use that as a starter kit for the most fantastical gingerbread cottage you can create. Or, if you're feeling really confident, forego the kit for a $10 entry fee which comes with a gingerbread recipe and cutout templates. Deliver your cottage to the library on December 6th or 7th, and we will put it on display for patrons to enjoy during the library's Holiday Open House on December 10th. Those who attend can vote for the People's Choice winner, and our panel of judges will award prizes in three other categories.
I cannot wait to see the display of delicious cottages. And, I promise to keep my hands to myself, no matter how much my sweet tooth might be tempted.
