State Fair judging, Round 3: Pies.

I have a pie hangover.

Why did I have those warm, sugary mini-donuts as I entered the fairgrounds in the morning? Even though I wasn’t judging the pie contest until 2 p.m., I knew better. I had no idea there would be 150-some pie entries. Luckily there were about 10 judges so we divvied them up.

I only had to taste 9 pecan pies, 7 coconut cream pies, and 3 peach-raspberry pies. They brought me the 7 coconut cream pies first. Big mistake. I was so full of sugary-sweet custard and billowy whipped cream that my teeth were protesting before I started in on the pecan pies. My favorite? A pecan pie made with caramels and a generous splash of spiced rum. It didn’t take top honors tho because the caramel filling was way too runny. Good idea tho.

The overall winner of the contest sponsored by the Machine Shed? A pumpkin pie with chai spices.

Personally, I swing toward fruit pies. In case you missed this recipe some months ago, here’s my recipe for a “slab pie,” so called because it is baked in a jelly roll pan and is cut in slabs that will remind you of a bar cookie: a pie bar, if you will. I say, if you’re going to go to all the trouble of making pie, make a big, honking pie and have plenty to serve a crowd or to stash in the freezer for warming up when you’re in the mood.

My grandfather was a professional baker and served pieces of slab pie to his customers back in the day. This is my spin. Read More >>

2 Responses to “Pie! Oh, my…”

1. Tweets that mention Pie! Oh, my… – Heartbreak Recovery Kitchen -- Topsy.com says:

   August 20, 2010 at 3:19 pm

   […] This post was mentioned on Twitter by educatedblue, Jeanne Ambrose. Jeanne Ambrose said: Judged an Iowa State Fair pie contest. A lotta pie eating. http://tinyurl.com/26sdrtt […]

   Reply
2. sue parkin says:

   August 20, 2010 at 6:19 am

   Dennis is making this for me on Sunday. we’re already drooling!!!

   Reply

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