Amateur Baker Wins ‘Fan Favorite’ at NYC Gingerbread Contest

A budding baker from Brooklyn Heights has captured hearts at a recent baking competition, winning the “Fan Favorite” award with a delightful gingerbread model of one of New York’s legendary hotels.

Rosie Teed, who balances her career as a lawyer with her passion for baking, crafted a stunning 10-story replica of the Hotel Chelsea. This impressive creation featured gelatin sheet windows, intricately piped royal icing balconies, and the hotel’s iconic signage. It was showcased at the Museum of the City of New York’s Gingerbread New York City: Greatborough Bake Off event.

Museum representatives noted that Teed’s entry stood out, garnering nearly 1,700 more votes than other gingerbread renditions of famous New York landmarks, which included the Statue of Liberty and the Chrysler Building.

“I really love the railing and the overall size of it. I think it was quite an ambitious project,” said Teed, reflecting on her creation. “The Hotel Chelsea has such a rich history, and it’s an iconic building with an equally iconic New York story.”

Dating back 140 years, the Hotel Chelsea has welcomed a host of celebrities, including the likes of Mark Twain and Andy Warhol. It has also influenced many songs and was the site of notorious events, such as the death of Nancy Spungen.

Having grown up in Vancouver, Canada, Teed fondly remembers building gingerbread houses with her family during the holidays, a tradition that evolved into her current baking passion.

However, the 200-hour process of creating her gingerbread masterpiece was not without its challenges. It even involved a visit from the fire department due to an oven mishap.

“One night my oven caught fire,” she confessed, explaining how she had to borrow her cousin’s kitchen and use a toaster oven to finish her project after her own oven was deemed unsafe.

To pay homage to the Hotel Chelsea, Teed utilized ingredients akin to 28 family recipes’ worth of gingerbread, along with vast amounts of royal icing to bring her vision to life at the museum.

“The Hotel Chelsea represents not just an architectural landmark but also a pivotal part of New York’s artistic narrative,” noted Elizabeth Sherman, Deputy Director and Chief Curator at the museum. “Rosie Teed’s gingerbread work captures that legacy in a beautifully imaginative way, which is likely why it resonated so strongly with visitors.”

This year marked the fourth annual gingerbread competition, which opens its doors to both professional and amateur bakers, celebrating the essence of New York with its “Iconic New York” theme.

According to museum officials, the event has become a staple for locals, especially in November and December, heralding a moment of pride for New Yorkers. “It’s really about appreciating the unique grit and life of the average New Yorker,” Sherman added.

Alongside Teed’s recognition, other notable entries included Juliette Galea’s “Cawfee and a Bagel” (Most Realistic and Edible), and a gingerbread model of the Statue of Liberty created by “The Amazing Race” Season 36 winners.

This year saw nearly 50 entries, indicating a record turnout for the competition.

When the exhibit concludes on January 19, most bakers will retrieve their creations, although some, like the Staten Island Lighthouse, will find a permanent home at memorial sites.

Teed’s remarkable gingerbread piece will return to its New York roots. And with a chuckle, she added, “I’m going to the raccoon.”