Thursday, September 15, 2011

Apple Pie Battle of the Sexes

I've agreed to let my husband, Brian, battle me in the State Apple Pie contest at this year's Durham Fair. Last year we both entered items in the baking competition, but different categories. Two of mine earned "first premium" ribbons---zucchini bread and baklava---but my apple pie earned a dismal "third premium." The pie was a hippy version with a whole wheat flour crust, and my top crust cracked on the drive over to the fair. Brian scored a "first premium" ribbon for his classic French macarons in the Guys Only category. His taste of victory whet his appetite for more, and he has set his sights on...his wife.

So, the stakes are high---very, very high and it definitely feels like a Man vs. Woman thing even though Brian would argue vehemently that it's not. I have decades of baking experience under my belt and actually considered becoming a pastry chef. Brian has a strong competitive spirit and fine (read: maddening) attention to detail. We learned last year that the judges want a very simple traditional apple pie. Normally I'd say, "Screw that!" and do another hippy version, maybe with some kind of pecan streusal sprinkled on top and agave syrup for the sweetener, but I can't risk earning another third premium and suffering lifelong humiliation if Brian should score higher. So traditional it is.

We're both making trial pies tonight. I'm using the following Alton Brown recipe for inspiration and will be going for a traditional appearance with a few, hopefully delicious, taste twists thrown in.


I'll keep you posted with photos and updates and would love feedback.

Wish me luck!