An annual tradition at the Chef School moved online this year. The virtual version of the gingerbread house competition was a big success with two students winning for creations inspired by their grandparents.
Every year in the main lobby of the Centre for Hospitality and Culinary Arts building, student chefs display their gingerbread creations. Visitors get to see the houses up close and judges can chat with the competitors. The 2020 edition moved online due to COVID-19 and students emailed pictures of their creations to the four judges.
The first and second-place entries were both inspired by their grandparents. Fernanda Gonçalves won with her house called “Grandma’s Autumn” (pictured at the top of the page) and Mikayla Hanna was the runner-up with “Nonna and Nonno’s House.”
Professor Sue Fleming, who teaches in the baking and pastry arts programs, runs the competition and was impressed with students’ work and that they participated in the contest during a challenging year.
“It says a lot to me about the indomitable spirit of our students, that against all odds they made wonderful gingerbread creations, and gave us all a few moments of joy and amazement,” Fleming said. “It made the competition extra special for me this year. I'm grateful to everyone who entered, and everyone who voted!”
Mikayla Hanna said it took her a week and a half to recreate her grandparents’ home in gingerbread.
“The theme for this year’s competition was to create a building that is special to us. My inspiration was my grandparents’ house,” she said. “Growing up, my family spent a lot of our time there and it is truly a special place to me. It was amazing that I got to honour my grandparents in this way.”
2020 Gingerbread House competition winners
- Fernanda Gonçalves, “Grandma’s Autumn”
- Mikayla Hanna, “Nonna and Nonno’s House”
- Shaina Kolzow, a re-creation of Toronto’s Leuty Lifeguard Station
People’s Choice
Christian Dizon, for his gingerbread version of Shrek’s house
