What do pastry chefs do on their time off? Some spend two months making one (hopefully prize-winning) gingerbread house for Canada's National Gingerbread Showcase, a festive fundraiser to benefit Habitat for Humanity Victoria.
The gingerbread houses will be on display at the Inn at Laurel Point until the new year.
This mouth-watering neighbourhood of 27 houses represents "works of art rather than works of food," says Brian Cant, a publicist at the Tartan Group. Both professional and amateur entrants use their considerable talents and creativity to vie for bragging rights for the most delicious dwelling in either category.
Last year's event raised nearly $5,000 for Habitat for Humanity Victoria.
People are encouraged to vote for their favourite gingerbread house for a $2 suggested donation. The winner of the People's Choice Award will be announced Dec. 21.
The houses will be on display between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. until New Year's Day in the front lobby of the Inn at Laurel Point, 680 Montreal St.
For more information, go to laurelpoint.com or habitatvictoria.com.
