by — Jennifer Alexander Ruple

It was a delight to be asked to judge Heritage Sylvania’s annual pie baking contest, a local tradition since 2015. The contest was held at the Heritage Center Museum on Sunday, Oct. 17 in conjunction with Sylvania’s Fall Festival.
I, along with fellow judges, Ben Malczewski, manager of the Sylvania Branch Library, his 10-year-old daughter Lucie and his wife, Danielle, were given about two hours to taste and review a total of 14 pies, nine adult entries and five youth entries.
We were each given score sheets to help us grade the pies in the areas of appearance, crust (color, texture and flavor), filling, and overall taste.

The pies varied in style, texture and flavor – each was unique. There were apple pies including apple crumb, sea salt caramel, and caramel apple topped with cinnamon rolls. Two pies were filled with pears. There was a sugar cream pie and a sweet potato pie that included a gingersnap crust and notes of cloves and other spices in the filling.
Notable youth entries included three types of hand pies, each with a different fruit filling. A chocolate brownie pie embellished with pumpkins and vines created from marshmallow fondant, made for a lovely presentation.
On behalf of the judges, I’d like to thank those who participated in the contest and hope to see your creations next year.
Winners in the adult category:

• First Place and Best in Show – Melanie Woolwine, caramel apple.
• Second Place -Dwayne Woodbury, caramel apple with cinnamon roll crust.
• Third Place and Judge’s Choice – Ashley Zeiler, sweet potato.
• Third Place Tie – Emily McNett, apple crumble.

Winners in the youth category:

• First Place and Best in Show – Ellie Wegrzyn, apple
• Second Place – Naomi Davis, chocolate brownie pie
• Second Place Tie – Lily Woolwine, apple hand pies
• Third Place – Lily Woolwine, strawberry hand pies
• Third Place Tie – Lily Woolwine, cherry hand pies