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McDonald House is built by gingerbread houses

By Erin O'Connor

Staff Writer



WEST SPRINGFIELD The owners of Cerrato's Pastry Shop have been busy these past couple weeks, not only creating their scrumptious Italian cookies and decadent desserts but also educating the public on the architecture of the gingerbread house.

The pastry shop is offering classes on creating gingerbread houses to families for a $25 fee (four people per family). The proceeds raised will go to benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities.

"It's nice to share when we are people that have things," Rosa Cerrato, co-owner of the pastry shop said.

This is the third year that Cerrato's has been offering the gingerbread classes. Past funds have been raised to benefit the Jimmy Fund and the Children's Oncology Ward at Shriners Hospital.

"I wanted to do something fun for the community," Cerrato said in coming up with the charity strategy.

Last week Cerrato offered classes at St. Mary's School in Longmeadow and at the shop on 255 Elm Street.

"We have raised $200 so far," she said. The bakery will have its final funds count after the conclusion of its classes this weekend.

The pastry shop will be open for classes on Dec. 17 between the hours of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Seating is limited so interested parties are encouraged to call early. The number is 1-888-99-DOUGH. The pastry shop also has a web site available at www.cerratospastryshop.com.

If you miss your opportunity to build a house this year the shop will be offering the classes again next year.

If you are interested in a house but not in building it a completed gingerbread house can be purchased from the shop for $45.

Gingerbread has been a holiday tradition for thousands of years. It was originally eaten during Winter Solstice Festivals.

Erin O'Connor can be reached at Erin @ The Reminder.com.