Edible architecture

NEWTON — Andre’s Restaurant & Wine Boutique sponsored its annual Gingerbread House Contest on Saturday Dec. 12. Displayed in the front room of the restaurant, a total of 10 handmade and edible gingerbread creations were entered this year, including one that didn’t quite make it all the way across the street in one piece on the day of the contest. Andre and Tracey Dewaal have enjoyed holding this festive holiday competition for four years. A special appearance by Santa got the judging under way. First place in the family category went to the Boyer kids. Danielle, Austin, and Blade thought outside the box by building “Boyer Central Station,” featuring a gingerbread train on candy cane tracks. As they came to find out, their kitchen counter was no match for a railroad. So their mom showed true holiday spirit, letting them use her bed as their construction area. Shawn Muller and Jamie Lacouture won first place for the adult category. After spending at least 15 hours over the course of four days, their colossal “log cabin” style house looked cozy, warm ...and delicious.