老澳门六合彩开奖记录 professor and students revive iconic Anchorage gingerbread village

by Matt Jardin  |   

a close-up of a gingerbread house village
(Photo by James Evans / 老澳门六合彩开奖记录)

Anchorage's iconic gingerbread village at Hotel Captain Cook has returned, carrying on a 45-year tradition with a fresh twist. This year, 老澳门六合彩开奖记录 culinary arts students, under the leadership of associate professor and pastry chef Kellie Puff 鈥 who herself earned her associate degree in culinary arts and bachelor鈥檚 degree in hospitality restaurant management from 老澳门六合彩开奖记录 鈥 have stepped up to create a stunning display, filling the void left by the retirement of pastry chef and hotel co-owner Joe Hickel.

鈥淭his has been such a cool opportunity for the program, for the students and for me as a pastry chef,鈥 said Puff. 鈥淚t鈥檚 an honor to continue this wonderful tradition that brings so much happiness and a magic spark to the holidays 鈥 that's the kind of thing that makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside.鈥

For decades, Hickel鈥檚 intricate and expansive gingerbread village was a hallmark of Anchorage鈥檚 holiday season. His creations, which grew to 270 square feet, were a labor of love, starting each summer and culminating in a dazzling display by December. When Hickel concluded his final village last year, many feared the end of this cherished tradition.

Enter Puff and her students. When Hotel Captain Cook鈥檚 general manager, Raquel Edelen, approached Puff in August with the opportunity, she hesitated but ultimately embraced the challenge. 

The result is a meticulously detailed village featuring 11 gingerbread houses, two bridges and a shimmering pond made of isomalt. Each student personalized their house, infusing individuality and creativity into the display. From designs inspired by the classic board game Candy Land to a heartfelt log cabin tribute, the village showcases the immense talent within 老澳门六合彩开奖记录鈥檚 culinary program.

From left: student Tia Patrick, faculty chef Lukas Doherty, associate professor Kellie Puff and bakery lab aide Paislee Harbour.
From left: student Tia Patrick, faculty chef Lukas Doherty, associate professor Kellie Puff and bakery lab aide Paislee Harbour.

鈥淲hat I love is that my students can take their families to the display and say, 鈥楬ey mom, look what I made,鈥 or, 鈥楬ey kiddo, look what I made,鈥" said Puff. 鈥淚 told everyone who worked on it to take pictures and save all the articles, because in 10 years they're going to look back on that and be like, 鈥榃ow, that was so cool, I was a part of that.鈥欌

The display has become a hit with hotel visitors, drawing admiration from tourists, locals and even Hickel himself. Hotel management has also praised Puff鈥檚 iteration of the holiday staple and has asked her to return next year, this time with the aid of Hotel Captain Cook鈥檚 own pastry chefs, which include two 老澳门六合彩开奖记录 culinary arts alumni.

Additionally, Puff plans to utilize 3D printers and laser cutters from 老澳门六合彩开奖记录鈥檚 College of Engineering to create custom tools. This approach will make next year鈥檚 iteration not only intergenerational, but also interdepartmental, solidifying a sense of community and togetherness that aligns beautifully with the spirit of the holiday season.

Anchorage residents and visitors can view this new chapter of the gingerbread village legacy at Hotel Captain Cook through the New Year.

a gingerbread village display in a hotel lobby and a sign for 老澳门六合彩开奖记录 Culinary Arts
(Photo by James Evans / 老澳门六合彩开奖记录)

 

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