Chef Newton’s giant gingerbread castle creation at the KP International Market. Photo by Tamara Warta

 

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - The bustling KP International Market in Rancho Cordova is enjoying a sweet holiday season, thanks to a giant gingerbread castle and complimentary Santa photos happening in the middle of the food court area.

Chef Newton, the mastermind behind the giant gingerbread castle, has been awarded various accolades and has been approached by the Food Network several times to appear on its channel. While he has declined such offers, his brilliant artistry is on open display at the market now through December 25.

The gingerbread castle is 34-feet-wide and 18-feet-tall, and is comprised of 13, 285 cookies baked in-house especially for this installation. The castle itself is completely edible, including its homemade gingerbread frosting holding the cookies in place. Even better, guests can try a nibble as extra cookies are available and distributed each day of the event.

The food court was quite busy over the past weekend and is sure to be packed with plenty of holiday excitement this coming weekend as well. If you want a quieter in-and-out experience, check out the castle during the week. Santa is available for a visit and free photo from 10am-8pm each day, including an elaborate display with his sleigh, giant candy canes and a reindeer, and hanging lights simulating fireworks.

If you wish to skip the Santa line and still view the castle, take a quick walk around the back of it for a beautiful view of the cookie craftsmanship and alternative photo-op.

The food court is full of other holiday treasures as well, specifically the KP Bakery located in the food court right next to the gingerbread castle. During the holiday season their selections include not only the traditional European treats, but also Grinch cupcakes, gingerbread man cookies, and more holiday-specific items. Prices for these treats range from $2-$6, and kids will enjoy picking out a goodie after completing their Santa photo-op.

KP International Market is home to many events throughout the year, including live music performances, free flu shot clinics, entrepreneur fairs, and more. It’s also the number one location for international grocery shopping with a huge range of Asian, European, and American food items available for purchase. You can follow everything happening at the market, as well as more information about the gingerbread castle at kpmart.com.