A Pie Contest? What Was I Thinking?

I work four jobs and do voiceovers on the side, as well as teach voiceover classes, so of course, when my friend Allegra said, “Hey KCRW is having a pie contest, why don’t you sign up?” I said,”I’ll think about it.”  The correct response should have been, “No, are you insane? I have enough on my plate!”  But I must be the one who’s deranged because I signed up.

Miracle latte

So, I found myself in the kitchen at 6:30 this morning, peeling apples and stressing out over pie crust. I must have been stressed because the entire morning went by and I only took about six sips of my daily latte — the latte I normally can’t function without.  I don’t know where you go to register miracles happening, but this morning’s latte miracle is one for the books.

I decided to make cranberry-apple pies because I love them. I think their flavor is even better than plain apple and they’re very autumnal. If you know me at all, you know I am a ho for autumn.

I bought all fresh ingredients, beautiful huge Granny Smith Apples and a few yellow delicious, in a nod to my mom. She always used yellow delicious in her pies.  I also got out all my utensils, including my secret weapon, my mom’s rolling pastry cutter. I wanted her juju with me as I baked.

Mom’s pastry cutter

On a side note, last night as I was taking Topper on a walk, I was missing Mom and just then happened to look down. On the sidewalk was a lottery ticket someone had thrown away. It was folded in half.  When I bent down to pick it up, it was a “Price is Right,” lottery ticket.  (If you don’t know my history, check out that “Price is Right,” link and you’ll see why this was an omen.) I took it home and entered it in the second chance lottery online.  I figure, if mom pointed it out, maybe it’s a winner. I am also taking that as an omen that the rest of my life will be easier than the last 25 years.

Back to the pies –normally, with the exception of the Annual Tunno Family Cutthroat Thanksgiving Pie Competition, I am not a fan of competitions, especially when it comes to food. I think food is an art form, so how do you judge whether one piece of art is better than another?  Plus, losing is not my favorite thing.  But anytime you lose, you always learn something, so I’m sure it’s character building.

But, that’s also fear talking.  I need to go in and boldly think my pie is the most awesome thing out there, and maybe I’ll have a chance. That’s how my mom lived and I think she was right. Plus, it never hurts to put yourself out there, so what the heck. Besides it might be nice to meet other crazy people who would rather spend their free time in a kitchen than anywhere else.

My contenders in the apple cranberry division

So, I’m waiting for Allegra to pick me up. I will share the results with you when I get back. Wish me luck.