Every year since I became the food writer at the Journal in 2008, I have been lucky enough to be asked to judge the annual Gingerbread Contest at the Festival of Trees. This year, with a fresh layer of snow blanketing the river valley, I enjoyed the trip to the Shaw Conference Centre even more. And the smell — the very room is infused with the scent of cinnamon and ginger. Sigh.
This year, a host of delightful cakes and cookie houses were available for chef Gail Hall; professional home economist Nicole Skiba of the ATCO Blue Flame Kitchen; and me to peruse. Here are the winners:
In the Professional Gingerbread category, Minion Mayhem from Over the Top Cakes in St. Albert took first place. Second place went to Happy HOTH-iday, a Star Wars inspired gingerbread creation by Whimsical Cake Studio of Edmonton. Third place went to Come Dine With Us, by Coby Cernes and Colleen Stewart.
Top billing in the Professional Cakes category went to Cheryl’s Creations for Wishing for a Magical Christmas. Joy! by Moriganagh McNally took second prize and LauraBella Treats of Stony Plain grabbed the third prize with All Wrapped Up.
In the Non-Professional Gingerbread category, first prize was awarded to Emily, Fernanda and Spencer from NAIT for their effort, A Delightful Disney Christmas. Jasper Place High School Culinary Arts program was given a second-place position for Merry Griswold Christmas. A Whoville Christmas was crafted by Emily Ausford, CiCi Nguyen-Wong and Amanda Brophy, and captured third spot.
In the Non-Professional Cakes group, Barbara Spencer won for Christmas Joy, Bernice Nahayowski took second with Mrs. Claus and Livia Subertova was awarded third prize for Jolly.
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