Last year when the judges tasted Denise Pounds’ Merry Cherry-Plum-Berry Tart at the Kansas State Fair, they knew they tasted a winner. Denise’s berry filled tart with white amaretto truffle sauce took home 1^st place that night.  After all the State Fairs had ended, Pillsbury tested all the 1^st place pies.  Denise’s pie earned her the title of Pie Baking Champion! Denise tells us about her award-winning pie and gives us some exclusive baking tips. 

Cate Catcho: How did you hear about the Pillsbury State-Fair Pie Contest?  

Denise Pounds: I have attended the Kansas State Fair for several years. The contests were well-publicized there.

 
Cate: What inspired your winning pie recipe? 

Denise: Combining fruits makes a more interesting recipe, so I tried some different combinations. Amaretto is a personal flavor favorite, so I wanted to introduce that flavor in the recipe. I also wanted to use the crust in a unique way.

Cate: How many pies did you make until you knew you had the perfect recipe for this contest? 

Denise: Probably four or five, tweaking the recipe each time. My family and friends appreciated the “tweaking sessions.”

Cate: What was the best part about winning the Kansas State Fair Pie Contest? 

Denise: My goal was to make a flavorful and elegant dessert that any home baker could easily make. There are several really great bakers who enter this contest, so when judges selected my recipe locally and nationally, it was a confirmation of my personal goal.

Cate: Describe how you felt when you won grand prize for the national contest? 

Denise: Elated! Are you kidding me? When I cook for my own family and friends they enjoy it.  It’s nice to know that I have the affirmation of neutral professionals. And the prize money is awesome!

Cate: Tell us your favorite parts about the national excitement and attention after you won.

Denise: Being able to share my passion for cooking with others. I have been able to do several cooking demonstrations because of the contest.

Cate: What did you do with the prize money? 

Denise: I enjoyed buying new cooking equipment for future competitions. I was also able to take a great trip to Santa Fe with the girlfriends who I knit with. They were also my “Pillsbury test group.”

Cate: How has this experience changed you? 

Denise: It has given me much more confidence to try new and unique recipes.

Cate:  Why should someone bake your pie tonight?

Denise: It’s easy and delicious. It’s fun to make. Chopping up the top crust is fun!

Cate: Have you tried any of the other Pie State Fair Recipes? If so, which ones do you love and why?

Denise: I haven’t tried any of the others. I have a hard time making any recipe as it is written. I have to mess with it a bit. So instead, I spend my energy on my next contest experiment.

Cate: Have you made any tweaks on your pie since you’ve won?

Denise: I’ve had to make it a couple of times without plums because of the season.  I just added more of the other fruit.  It was just as good.

Cate: Are you going back to the Kansas State Fair to check out this year’s submissions? 

Denise: Absolutely. I have made some great friends by competing in the fair. I will be there to support them.

Cate: What’s your best pie baking tip or trick? 

Denise: Use Pillsbury Pie Crust. It’s so easy to use and tastes delicious. Why bother with the mess of homemade? Also, be willing to step out of the “traditional box,” and use the crusts in an unusual way.

Want to see more award winning State Fair pies? Click here! http://www.pillsbury.com/pie

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