Marzipan Babies…NOT!
Well, thanks to Ryan, an intrepid listener, I have been made aware that the marzipan babies are not marzipan at all. While I don’t like being one to spread misinformation, I’m glad that I was wrong here. As I said in the podcast, there’s something extremely disquieting about the notion of edible babies. He sent along a link to an urban legend busting webpage which dispels the myth:
“Fortunately, we don’t have to ponder the deeper meaning of the symbolism here, because the items pictured above are not made of marzipan, nor are they edible. They’re 2- to 5-inch sculptures created by artist Camille Allen (including some entries from her Shell Baby line of miniatures), and they’re made from Prosculpt polymer clay and mohair. Definitely not the kind of thing most of us would find palatable.”
Mark C. Tafoya is a personal chef in New York City. He is also a world traveler and self-taught gourmand. He is a graduate of Yale University, worked as an actor for 10 years, both On and Off Broadway, and in independent films. His love of travel and food has taken him around the world. He hopes to share his love of world cuisine with you!
Thank heavens!
I work at a Catholic Church, and we saw these images, described as marzipan. Though the babies are cute, I thought the idea of eating a baby was disturbing. Thankfully, I can tell my office-mates that they aren’t edible before we start a rally or something.
Great blog, great ‘cast. Thanks Mark!
you’re welcome Julianna. I was bothered by it at first too. I was wondering myself who would order these to be put on a cake in the first place. I suppose marziapan cartoon characters would be easier to get people to munch on, but not realistic-looking babies!