Just Desserts?

The holiday eating season is getting underway, and I have learned of a couple of interesting choices to add to festive gatherings and celebrations.

In Germany – and online for others – one can buy chocolate Jesus figures, wrapped in gold foil. The person who dreamed up this product wants to “restore some traditional religious values to Christmas in Germany.” The values he has in mind were not specifically articulated, however.

Religious leaders in Germany are not digesting the news well. One remarked, “It is terrible that Jesus is being wrapped up in gold foil and sold along with chocolate bunnies, edible penguins, and lollipops. This is ruining the symbol of Jesus himself.” Some maintain that the product is “tasteless.”

Undeterred, the person responsible is looking to strike a deal with a mass producer, and envisions a world-wide market someday. He already has in mind that there are places in the U.S. where such an item will be very popular.

Perhaps he can expand his marketing beyond Christmas time – one can imagine red, white, and blue foil for Independence Day! Or maybe a tie-in with McDonald’s and Disney could be arranged.

The second holiday treat already is produced in our country. It is a cookie in the shape of a handgun. The Slice O’Life Bakery in Palisade, Colorado is merely “trying to stay in touch with the trends,” according to an owner of the bakery. She said “she was ‘inspired’ by national and local media reports earlier this month explaining a surge of firearm purchases following President-elect Barack Obama's Nov. 4 victory.”

Her son is serving a 332-year sentence in the state penitentiary, having been convicted on five counts of attempted murder in two counties. Seems he had a drug abuse problem at the time.

The bakery fashioned its own design for the cookies. "I couldn't find a gun cookie-cutter,'' noted the owner.

I must admit, I find that surprising.