Apple pie contest highlights National Pie Day
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Denise Yockey
(800) 456-2753
If you love to make apple pie, prepare for the ultimate challenge – the 2nd Annual Michigan's Best Apple Pie Contest.
Amateur bakers 18 years and older will compete to see who has the tastiest, most appealing pie in the state. The contest, presented by the Michigan Apple Committee, Zehnder's of Frankenmuth and Pioneer Sugar, will take place in Frankenmuth on Wednesday, Jan. 24 during Zehnder's Snowfest.
The Michigan bake-off is held in conjunction with National Pie Day, which will be celebrated Jan. 23. The American Pie Council sponsors this annual “day” in an effort to raise awareness of America's most traditional dessert – pie.
According to a 2004 survey, one out of four Americans – or 36 million – choose apple as their favorite pie. In fact, apple pie has become so much a part of American culture over the years, the phrase “as American as apple pie” is now commonplace.
Contestants have until Jan. 15 to submit their apple pie recipes, which must contain Michigan apples and Pioneer Sugar, for review. A complete set of contest rules, guidelines and entry forms is available at www.michiganapples.com. Pies will be judged in two categories: double crust and crumb topping, with the winner receiving $500 plus a trip to Florida to compete in the National Pie Championships.
Bay City resident Carol Socier won the competition last year with her recipe for Snowflake Apple Pecan Crumb Pie. Socier says she has already made plans to participate this year in the National Pie Championships, no matter how she fares in the Michigan bake-off.
Michigan commercially grows 20 different apple varieties, many of which are excellent for baking such as Jonathan, Jonagold, Ida Red, Empire and Rome.
The Michigan Apple Committee is a grower-funded nonprofit organization devoted to promotion, education and research activities to distinguish the Michigan apple and encourage its consumption by consumers in Michigan and around the world. For more information, visit MichiganApples.com.