Secret to making the “Best” Apple Pie… add Vodka!

The Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau’s 38^th Annual Apple Pie Baking Contest was held on Tuesday, September 9^th, opening day of the Santa Cruz County Fair. The “Best of Show” pie (recipe attached) had an unusual ingredient in the crust – vodka! The judges were Fred Keely, Treasurer, Santa Cruz County; Patrice Edwards, Times Publishing Group; Liz Pollock, Cook’s Bookcase; David Vasquez III, Student.

Organized by Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau and Sponsored by Local apple producers, processors and supporters

— and the winners are…

“Best Of Show” – Ronald Downing Scotts Valley

Junior Division: 1st Emilie Stevens – Santa Cruz • 2nd Bridgett Titus- Aptos • 3rd Jordan Biddle – Felton

Senior Division: 1st Ronald Downing – Scotts Valley • 2nd • Sarah Greathouse – Felton • 3rd Sabrina Carstensen – Aptos

Masters Division: 1st Tim Vertterli – Soquel • 2nd Kelly Kersten – Watsonville • 3rd Cheryl Pettigrew – Watsonville

The Pajaro Valley apple producers, growers and pie lovers sponsor the annual event in cooperation with the Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau. Laura Rider, Farm Bureau Member, is Chair for this very popular opening day event. The “Best of Show” recipe is on display along with the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place pies for each division in the Harvest Building during the fair.

Best Of Show Recipe by Ronald Downing

Filling:

6 Granny Smith apples

lemon juice

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 tsp. ginger

fresh nutmeg

1/8 tsp. cloves

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 1/2 T. cornstarch

Cut apples evenly. Toss with lemon juice. Add all other ingredients and mix. Let rest.

 

Crust:

3 cups flour

dash of salt

1/2 cube butter, salted

1 cup butter flavored shortening

1 egg

vodka and orange juice (See #3 for qty)

1. In a large bowl, mix flour and salt together.
2. Cut in cold butter and shortening to the size of peas.
3. In a liquid measuring cup, whisk egg. Add in vodka and orange juice to the 3/4 line.
4. Pour into flour mixture and combine.
5. Roll out and fill with apples. Sprinkle with sugar. Cover with other crust. Brush with egg wash.
6. Bake at 350°F for 65 minutes. (Alcohol evaporates during baking)