TIP OF THE DAY: Host A Pie Baking Contest

June 14, 2011 at 10:49 am · Filed under Contest, Cookies-Cake-Pastry, Tip Of The Day

It’s [pie] party time! Photo by Jaclyn
Nussbaum | THE NIBBLE.

Looking for a summer entertaining idea? How about a pie baking contest?

Guests who can bake can show off their chops; non-baking guests will be thrilled to taste a pie buffet.

You can go freestyle, or take advantage of this new boxed kit: Pie Contest in a Box: Everything You Need to Host a Pie Contest. It contains everything you need, except the pies.

Created by Gina Hyams, the box includes a handbook to guide you through hosting your very own contest (including recipes and tips from champion bakers).

After you get the hang of it, you can adapt the idea to a cake contest, cookie contest, brownie contest, lasagne contest—anything.

Also among the box contents are:

12 pie toppers to identify the pies (you can have as many or as few pies as you like, although it’s tough to taste more than 12!)

60 scorecards (if you’re having that many people, the contestants should make more than one pie)

5 judges’ ribbons (guests vote separately for the People’s Choice Award)

4 prize ribbons (1st, 2nd, 3rd and People’s Choice)

All you have to do is invite the contestants and other guests, set up a table for the pies and serveware and provide coffee, tea, milk and/or other beverages. Optional toppings, like whipped cream or ice cream, are sure to be welcome.

NIBBLE PARTY TIP: If all the guests don’t know each other, make badges (or let your guests write them out on blanks) that say: My Name Is [First Name] And My Favorite Pie Is [They Write It In]. It’s a great ice breaker.

You can let the contestants bake whatever pie they please, or make it a themed pie contest: single-flavor pie (e.g. apple or peach), chocolate pie, liquor-accented pie, local ingredients pie, etc.

Although perhaps for the first pie contest, an open call is best. Then, you can repeat the success with single themes.

You can use any type of food in a “competition.” With guests bringing the pies (or other wares), it’s a cost-effective way to entertain. The Pie Contest In A Box is $10.19 at Amazon.com.

Afterwards, send a press release to the food editor of your local paper, along with a photo of the winning pie and the recipe, should the winner care to share it (how to write a press release).

You’re on your way to becoming a local food celebrity!

You can also turn the event into a mini fundraiser, asking guests for a donation to a good cause.

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