The Nonantum Resort in Kennebunkport was the perfect setting for the first All American Pie Baking Contest sponsored by the Senior Center at Lower Village in Kennebunk on Sunday, July 26. Sixteen amateur pie bakers faced off in this tasty competition. Professionals and restaurants competed in their own division. Contestants came from throughout Southern Maine and as far away as Westport, Connecticut to participate. The public was invited to enjoy slices of pie with ice cream and beverages provided through the courtesy of The Nonantum. Whole pies were also available for purchase. Al proceeds were to benefit the Senior Center at Lower Village (www.seniorcenterkennebunk.org) in Kennebunk.
Judges included Michael and Sandy Jubinsky of Stone Turtle Baking and Cooking School in Lyman, Bruce Smith, of Atria Kennebunk, John Couture of the Culinary Arts Department at Noble High School in North Berwick, Larry Days, Culinary Arts instructor at York County Community College, and Mike Wiesner of Coastal Cab Co., one of the contest sponsors.
The contest was divided into 3 specific categories (apple, berry and all other, such as chiffon, meringue, etc) with winners in each category and 3 Grand Prize winners for the Best in Show. There was also a separate division for restaurants/professionals.
Ribbons were awarded to the following contestants:
Apple Pie, 1st Place, Ki Leffler, Kennebunkport, 2nd Place, Pamela Sparks of Saco 3rd Place, Misty Riley of Dayton.
Berry/Fruit Pie, 1st Place, Susan Goldstein, Westport, CT - Peach Pie, 2nd Place, Susan Goldstein, Westport, CT - Blueberry Pie, 3rd Place, Blanche Jalbert, Brunwick, Blueberry Pie.
All Other, 1st Place, Sally Wakeland, Kennebunkport - Mexican Chocolate Pie, 2nd Place, Jim Fitzgerald, Kennebunkport - Key Lime Pie, 3rd Place, Blanche Jalbert, Brunswick, ME - Pumpkin Chiffon Pie
Cash prizes were given to the Grand Prize Overall Winners, 1st Place, Sally Wakeland, Kennebunkport with Mexican Chocolate Pie, 2nd Place, Susan Goldstein, Westport, Connecticut with Peach Pie and 3rd Place, Ki Leffler, Kennebunkport with Apple Pie.
The Grand Prize winner for the Restaurant/Professional division went to Hurricane Restaurant in Kennebunkport, for Strawberry Apple Pear Pie, 2nd Place went to Port Bakery in Kennebunk for Apple Pie with Streusel Topping and 3rd Place to Atria Kennebunk for Old Fashioned Strawberry Pie.
Crowd favorite, 89 year old Blanche Jalbert entered 3 pies for judging and walked away with 2 prizes. Since rules were that each contestant had to bring 2 pies per entry (1 to be judged and 1 to be sold), Blanche made 6 pies for the contest and 4 others that didn't pass her scrutiny!
Recipes for the pies can be downloaded
here.
Making a pie is an act of love. It takes the earth's bounty and mixes it with the baker's heart and soul. So making a pie and giving it to someone is a simple pleasure that all can partake in.(Author unknown)
