Well the results are not yet in, but I’ve given it my best shot. For the second year, I’ve entered my pie into the Long Island Fair at the Bethpage Restoration Village. You see winning a ribbon for my pie is on my “in my life to do list.” So is winning a James Beard Award and traveling through India. But before we get into those details, let me tell you a little about my pecan-chocolate chip pie.
I don’t even remember where I got the recipe, it’s currently written in my handwriting on a beat up index card; and has been a part of my Thanksgiving-dessert repertoire since I got married. At my in-law’s, this pie is famous and at one point I even started making two for the holiday, because John’s younger six siblings would polish it off in mere seconds and one of the them would inevitably steal the second pie and hide it under their bed, saving it for later. And with this kind of a reputation, I thought the famous pecan-chocolate chip pie, more than any other could bring me my first-place ribbon.
Last year Anne, a close family friend, got me the lowdown on the Long Island Fair at Old Bethpage Village. And I blindly baked my pie and entered it in. I say blindly because I didn’t really read the instructions like I should have. After I sent the pie on its way with John to deliver to the fair, I realized I missed a few things… like including the recipe with the entry. And so I never heard a word from the Fair. I was disappointed but I realized in the land of competitive pie baking, I had probably disqualified myself. John insisted that (in his own words)… “Those old bitches had it out for you… one look at that pie and you know they kept it for themselves and ate all of it… I hope they get a diverticulitis attack!” Oh John, I do so appreciate your sense of pride and protectiveness, but since I am a better sport than my other half, I decided to learn from my past mistakes and enter it again this year. This time I read the instructions and re-read them, I carefully typed up my recipe to include, baked my pie with the greatest care at 5 am before work and then I called my mom and dad to deliver the pie. No offense to John, but I thought they might bring me better luck… and they did because I WON FIRST PLACE!!!!! And I might add that my mom said the ladies at the Fair were just lovely. Go figure John.
When I announced my win, my friends and family were just as excited. And the Bishop kids said they weren’t surprised at all. They’ve been my judges for years and they’ve always said this one was the winner. As so with the win in my back pocket, it’s time to officially retire this pie and try something new this Thanksgiving… and to finally share the recipe with all of you. And now I must go, as I have plenty of work ahead of me—I have a James Beard award to win.
