Most years, Mary Frances White doesnt have time to enter a pie into the Allen County Fair.
But with blackberries growing in her backyard, it didnt seem right not to give it a try, considering this years contest is singularly for blackberry pies.
Id just picked 5½ gallons, Mary Frances said.
Because of her duties as a member of the Allen County Fair Board as well as serving her 53rd year as clothing leader for FCE, Mary Frances is especially busy this time of year.
Brenda Armstrong, front, and Georganna Jarred judge the quality and taste of blackberry pies at the pie baking contest Thursday evening at the Allen County Fair.
In fact, if she were to enter a pie, shed have to make it early.
Its sitting in the truck now, she said Thursday morning, concerned a hot sun might alter its consistency by showtime that evening.
Hints of cinnamon turn the pie into a masterpiece.
I also tried an egg and some vinegar in the crust, she said of the new twist.
With a light dusting of sugar and hints of the dark berries inside, the pie is resplendent.
Mary Frances has lots of experience baking pies.
When my kids were young, Id make four or five a week, she said.
Pie bakers check out the competition before the judges began tasting Thursday evening. From left are Caroline, William and Beth Toland, Joyce Lee, Wayne Riebel, and Tai and Tracy Lee.
These days she averages a pie a week.
She continues to indulge her son, Travis White, with an occasional lemon pie.
