15 Amazing, Award-Winning Gingerbread Houses

Barbara Evans of Edelstein, Illinois, and Mary Jo Dowling of Westford, Massachusetts, created their own spin on the classic gingerbread house when they crafted a sweet version of Noah's Ark. They made the boat from gingerbread covered with a layer of fondant—a sugary dough that can be rolled into sheets and ribbons—and the animals from fondant and marzipan, hand painting each figure for realism. The detailed and creative handiwork of this piece earned it second place at the 2010 National Gingerbread Competition.