MEMPHIS, Tenn., Nov. 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital patients got a head start on the holiday season, and future architect degrees, by helping construct the hospital's signature gingerbread house with some expert chefs.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091119/DC15008 )

St. Jude staff spent 20 hours building the gingerbread house's main structure, which stands seven feet tall. The next crucial step was the frosting and decorative cookies, supplied by the patients. To assist patients design the masterpiece were chefs from some of Memphis' top restaurants.

St. Jude senior executive chef Miles McMath said this year's gingerbread house recipe called for more than 350 pounds of sugar, 1,600 egg whites, 200 pounds of flour and 225 pounds of assorted candy decorations.

"Our pastry chef is known for his elaborate gingerbread houses, so we thought it would be great to have one at St. Jude," McMath said. "The kids absolutely love it, and we have such great talent at the hospital who really enjoy putting this all together. Plus, the response from the chefs to volunteer their time was unbelievable."

Activities like building the gingerbread house provide patients a fun diversion from hospital appointments and treatment schedules.

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. Founded by late entertainer Danny Thomas and based in Memphis, Tenn., St. Jude freely shares its discoveries with scientific and medical communities around the world. No family ever pays for treatments not covered by insurance, and families without insurance are never asked to pay. St. Jude is financially supported by ALSAC, its fundraising organization. For more information, please visit www.stjude.org.

SOURCE St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

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