Owner Charlee has turned her years of pastry-making experience into an elaborate, three-foot-tall gingerbread display that looks like something straight out of a haunted storybook. Built on a 2.5-by-3.5-foot board, the detailed creation is a work of edible art that visitors can see throughout October.

Nearly every part of the display, from the walls of the haunted house to the tiny decorations inside, can be eaten. The only exceptions are the battery-operated lights that help bring the spooky scene to life.

Visitors who take a closer look through the house’s open windows will discover a collection of miniature Halloween details. Inside, a fireplace features glowing sugar flames, a chocolate coffin rests nearby, and a tiny throw rug is decorated with little skulls. Framed pictures printed with food coloring ink on sugar fondant paper adorn the walls, surrounded by frames carefully piped from royal icing and painted with edible silver.

Even the spooky vintage wallpaper is made from edible paper, adding another layer of detail to a display filled with surprises.

Outside the house, the scene becomes even more festive. The structure sits atop a Rice Krispies treat base that slopes down toward a miniature cemetery filled with handmade chocolate tombstones. White chocolate bones, crumbly cake moss and tiny jack-o’-lanterns complete the eerie landscape, while black cocoa gingerbread gives the house its dark, haunted appearance.

The amount of detail packed into the display reflects the time and creativity Charlee has invested in bringing her Halloween vision to life.

A longtime pastry chef’s Halloween dream

Before bringing her talents to Sanpete County, Charlee spent many years working in the Aspen area of Colorado as an executive pastry chef at a high-end ski resort. During her time there, she created large and elaborate gingerbread displays each Christmas, turning the traditional holiday treat into impressive works of art.

Those Christmas creations were magical in their own right, but Charlee had another idea she wanted to explore.

She had long wanted to create a gingerbread display with a spooky Halloween theme. This year, she finally brought that idea to life, giving local residents an opportunity to see a style of gingerbread artistry that goes well beyond the traditional gingerbread house.

Rather than candy canes, gumdrops and snowy rooftops, her Halloween creation features a haunted house, a cemetery, chocolate bones and plenty of tiny, carefully crafted details. The result combines the skill of an experienced pastry chef with the imagination of someone who enjoys the playful side of Halloween.

And fortunately for local residents, there is no need to travel to Colorado to see it. The display is right here in Manti at Charlee’s Comfort Kitchen.

More than a Halloween display

The gingerbread house is just one part of the Halloween atmosphere at Charlee’s Comfort Kitchen. The business also features festive decorations and a market filled with gifts, goodies, treats and other seasonal items.

Visitors are encouraged to stop by, explore the display and enjoy the Halloween spirit throughout the month.

As an added treat, anyone who brings this newspaper article to Charlee’s Comfort Kitchen can receive a free sample of the business’s soft-serve ice cream.

The display offers a fun opportunity for families, children and anyone who appreciates creative baking to see what happens when pastry skills and Halloween imagination come together. It is also a chance to support a local business while enjoying a little seasonal fun.

Halloween party planned for Oct. 31

Charlee’s Comfort Kitchen is also planning a Halloween party from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31.

The event will feature food, drinks, prizes and a costume contest, giving visitors another reason to get into the Halloween spirit.

Those interested in attending can call Charlee’s Comfort Kitchen at 435-835-6500 for additional information about the party.

With its haunted gingerbread house, festive market and upcoming Halloween celebration, Charlee’s Comfort Kitchen is offering Sanpete County residents a creative way to enjoy the season.

The display will remain on view throughout October, so visitors have the opportunity to stop in, look through the tiny windows, discover the edible details and enjoy a sweet treat along the way.

For those who enjoy Halloween, baking or simply seeing something unusual and imaginative, Charlee’s edible haunted house is worth a closer look.