Beasley's celebrates 30th anniversary of Apple Pie Bake-Off

DANVILLE -- Beasley's Orchard invites bakers of all ages to enter the 30th Anniversary Great Apple Pie Bake-Off on Saturday.

Interested bakers can register at the Orchard, 2304 East Main Street, in Danville. The $2 entry fee includes 2-3 pounds of apples to be used in the pie and contestants must register no later than 6 p.m. on Friday.

The contest is designed to find the best all-American, old-fashioned apple pie, so bakers should consider the following guidelines:

* Filling should be primarily apple, not exotic combinations.

* Pie should have double crust made from scratch, lattice topping is acceptable but glazes and frosting are not recommended.

* In addition, contestants should bake the pie in a disposable pan or be willing to donate the pan as all pies are auctioned for charity once judging is completed.

The contestants must provide recipes for both the crust and filling for publication if chosen as a winning pie. Awards will be presented for grand champion, first place, second place and third place.

All pies should be brought to Beasley's Orchard on Saturday between 8:45 and 9:15 a.m. Judging begins promptly at 9:30 a.m. with the winners announced at the completion of judging.

Once the winners are announced, all pies will be auctioned off to benefit the Hendricks County Humane Society.

The distinguished panel of judges for the 30th Anniversary Great Apple Pie Bake-Off includes local celebrities, chefs and dignitaries.

Returning to judge this year is Chef Thom England, culinary arts instructor at Ivy Tech. New judges include Sarah McMillen, tourism marketing manager for the Hendricks County Convention and Visitors Bureau; Cindy Hawkins, owner and pastry chef at Circle City Sweets; Jolene Ketzenberger, food writer for The Indianapolis Star; and Dean Wilson, host of Savor Indiana and active in the hospitality industry for more than 20 years.