SCINTILLATING Summer FUN

Spirits are high at the Ginger Factory as the summer fun heats up. Carlie Wacker takes a look at what’s cooking at this iconic Sunshine Coast entertainment precinct.

The sub-tropical gardens are buzzing with anticipation (and the sweet sounds of nature) as I enter one of the Sunshine Coast’s favourite places for fun. Summer 2020 is set to be bigger than ever at The Ginger Factory.

It really is a delight to walk through the gates, across the train line past the Gingerbread man and into a world of ginger goodness. The shop is a foodie heaven with an extensive range of local produce and has the world’s largest curation of Buderim ginger products.

It is also home to the award-winning Kokopod Chocolate with an onsite Chocolate Factory! Everyone will leave with something to suit their tastebuds.

There is also an action-packed school holiday program, including Summer Saturdays. Smoken Dog BBQ will be firing up the grill every Saturday from 4pm to 8pm. The whole family will dig this BBQ style cook up with smoked ribs, brisket burgers, chicken wings and much more on the menu.

Santa’s workshop is bustling until Christmas Eve daily between 9:30am and 1:30pm. You can get your Christmas photos taken with the big guy and pick up some stocking fillers from the shop while you are there – it’s multitasking at its finest!

As we head into the new year, there is something for the green thumbs to discover – a world of ginger plants and heliconia’s on display for the Ginger, Flower and Plant Emporium from 8 to 26 January.

So, gather the troops and play, taste, discover The Ginger Factory.

Entry is free and its open 7 days.

Rides, retail therapy, tours, timeout in the tropical gardens, and total family satisfaction guaranteed.

Ginger Buttercream

Frosting

Liven up your favourite cake (perfect for Christmas cakes!) with this delicious, velvety icing that’s incredibly easy from Kim McCosker of 4 Ingredients

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter

1.5 cups icing sugar

1/4 cup Buderim Ginger Sauce

Method

In a large bowl, beat the butter until nice and soft.

Add the icing sugar and ginger sauce and beat well to combine, 3 minutes or until light and fluffy. Enjoy!