Cherry Pie for Kevin

So we have had a boarder for the last couple of months. Kevin has been a really fun roommate and Rob and I are going to miss him dearly. So of course, I made him a cherry pie.

I've tried to make fresh cherry pie in the past and I was never really a fan of it. So this time I used canned cherries and the pie turned out really sweet and pretty. The next time I use canned cherry pie filling I will doctor it a little with cornstarch because it's a bit runny when you cut a slice.

An apple pie for my nerds!

So this weekend I made an apple pie from Martha Stewart's Pies and Tarts cookbook. Every Tuesday the nerds we fight with get together to do arts and crafts so I thought I would make them a pie to try to make friends. Because who doesn't like pie? Well, unless you're on a diet.

Anyway, I made one big apple pie and two small pies for my sweet roommates.

Sally's Apple Pie

Today I visited my grandma Ruby in Alta, IA. She was the reason I started making pie. She didn't have any pie during our visit, but her neighbor lady Sally brought over this delicious slice of apple pie made from the apples on the tree at her farm. It was delicious. The apples were cut very thinly which let all of the butter, cinnamon and sugar melt in.

Sweet as Pie

Bust Magazine featured one of my favorite pie recipes in their February issue. You should pick up an issue and check it out.

Eggnog Pie

This pie was really pretty but wasn't the best consistency. I used gelatin and Eggnog and the first day it was in the fridge it was nice but the next day it was set up too much and wasn't soft enough. I've never had that kind of problem with a pie before. But I normally don't use gelatin.

I made this for my boyfriend's family. But they weren't very interested in eating it even though it was pretty. Every time I make a pie for his family they never eat it, and I'm not sure why. =( Good thing they didn't eat this one though. 

Chocolate Lover's Delight Pie

So I made a chocolate pie with a graham cracker crust for my friend Callie. She writes for Bust magazine and wanted to feature a pie for Valentines Day. Chocolate is something I can only share with people a really love... So I thought this pie would be perfect! It is really rich and delicious. You can get the recipe in the February issue of Bust Magazine.

The Iowa State Fair Peach Pie!

So I was finally able to make it to the Iowa State Fair pie competition. I wanted to enter a pie last year, but couldn't take a day off of work. This competition was a lot of fun because there were so many ladies (I assume at least one male entered a pie, but I didn't see him) who brought many different kinds of pie and they were all so well made! I loved looking at the great care and craftsmanship that when into all of the pies. I also got to talk to a few ladies about what they made. Since it's Iowa, everyone was really friendly. 

I didn't win anything at this competition. But I didn't really know what they were judging on. Now I know. So I can't wait for next year's fair! 

One thing that I found to be crazy was that some women brought ten pies of all different varieties. So I think next year I'll shoot for five. Maybe that will better my odds at winning something. I did also notice that one lady won multiple categories... So she was in the know of what the judges wanted!

Checking in my pie.

All of the pies for the day.

The judge in the red shirt is tasting my pie.

My pie is on the right... A smidge over baked.

All of the women who made the pies watching the judges eat their pie.

My scorecard! 90 out of 100... That's an "A" right? =)