Building the Perfect Gingerbread House

Q: What’s the best type of icing to use for “gluing” the house together?
A: Royal icing is your best bet! Made with powdered sugar, egg whites (or meringue powder), and a bit of water, this icing dries rock-hard, ensuring your walls and roof stay in place. Tip: Work in small batches, as it can dry quickly.

Q: Should I bake my own gingerbread or use a pre-made kit?
A: Both options are great! Pre-made kits are convenient and include pre-cut pieces, while baking your own allows for customization in flavor and design. If baking from scratch, let the gingerbread cool completely before assembling.

Q: How do I prevent my gingerbread house from collapsing?
A: First, make sure your pieces are flat and sturdy. Use a flat surface to dry them after baking. When assembling, let the royal icing set for at least 15-30 minutes between steps to ensure stability.

Q: What are some creative decorating ideas?
A: Use colorful candies like gumdrops, peppermints, and licorice for a festive look. Shredded coconut makes perfect snow, and pretzel sticks work well for fences or logs. Don’t forget to dust powdered sugar over the house for a snowy finish!

Q: How can I get the kids involved?
A: Set up a decorating station with candies, sprinkles, and icing bags. Let them add their personal flair to the house—imperfections only add to the charm!

Edgar's Bakery vs Sunny Street Cafe

When it comes to grabbing a bite in Madison, both Edgar’s Bakery and Sunny Street Café are local favorites. But how do they stack up against each other? Let’s dive into the details.

Edgar’s Bakery

Vibe: Upscale and cozy, Edgar’s offers a chic café atmosphere perfect for breakfast meetings or a relaxing brunch.

Menu Highlights: Known for their beautifully crafted baked goods, Edgar’s serves up buttery croissants, decadent cakes, and breakfast staples like quiches and grits bowls. The chicken salad and pimento cheese are also standouts for lunch.

Best For: Satisfying your sweet tooth or enjoying a gourmet breakfast in style.

Price Range: Moderate to slightly upscale.

Pro Tip: Don’t leave without trying their signature Strawberry Cake—it’s a local favorite for good reason! 💯

Sunny Street Café

Vibe: Family-friendly and cheerful, this café feels like home. It’s casual enough for a quick stop but inviting enough to linger.

Menu Highlights: A crowd-pleaser for classic breakfast fare, Sunny Street Café serves up fluffy pancakes, hearty omeletes, and savory skillets. They also have a wide range of lunch items, including fresh salads and sandwiches.

Best For: A relaxed breakfast with the family or a quick, satisfying bite.

Price Range: Affordable and budget-friendly.

Pro Tip: Their Avocado Toast with eggs and balsamic drizzle is a must-try for avocado lovers!

The Verdict

• If you’re looking for artisan pastries and a refined brunch vibe, head to Edgar’s Bakery.

• For hearty breakfast classics and a warm, inviting atmosphere, Sunny Street Café is the way to go.

Sorry Edgar's Bakery is closed on Sundays 🥺

Madison Station

When Madison was founded in the mid-19th century, it was originally known as "Madison Station," named after the stop along the Memphis & Charleston Railroad that sparked the town’s development. The railway brought commerce and settlers to the area, and the station quickly became a hub of activity.

Eventually, as the town grew and modernized, the "Station" part of the name was dropped, and we simply became "Madison." However, traces of our railway heritage remain—look no further than the historic Madison Depot, which still stands as a reminder of our city’s roots.

So the next time you stroll through downtown or spot the train passing by, remember Madison’s origin as a tiny railway stop that grew into the vibrant community we know today!

Local Tip:  Did you also know if the train is coming through, it will block Sullivan Street, so you can use Hughes road to go over it.

DNA + TRAITS: Ever wondered where your freckles came from, or why you hate cilantro? AncestryDNA + Traits lets you discover 40+ genetic traits, allowing you to explore how your genes might have influenced a range of appearance, sensory, fitness, nutrient, and other personal characteristics

If you have a local business and would love to be featured in our newsletter, you can connect with us here.

Now that Alabama is out of the CFP, who are you rooting for?

Thank you for being a valued subscriber and neighbor in our community!

Don't forget to share our newsletter link with your neighbors at

https://subscribe.themadisonmemo.com/newsletter

We are also looking for Community Contributors. If you are interested or know of anyone who is, email us at

support@themadisonmemo.com

We appreciate any suggestions or recommendations you may have, so feel free to reply to this email with your feedback.

Thank you for your support!

- Robert