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Phyllis Szymanek began baking pies seriously about eight years ago, so winning first place at the recently held National Pie Baking competition in Orlando would have been an awesome achievement. But instead the Riverview resident defied all odds and won two ribbons for first place in the national contest.
Originally from Toledo, Ohio, Szymanek didn't know she had such a talent for baking until just a few years ago. Encouraged by her husband, she entered a competition for the first time in Lucas County, Ohio and won the blue ribbon for best of show, surprising everyone.
But, her pie baking success didn't stop there. In 2004 she entered the Florida State Fair pie baking contest and won best of show. The following year at the Florida State Fair, she won "best of best of show," winning all the categories.
Her success continued in 2006 when both she and her sister Barbara Meffered each won first prize again at the Florida State Fair, a success which motivated her to sign up for the National Pie Baking Championship.
According to Szymanek, 375 amateurs from all over the country entered almost 900 pies into the contest. The 75 judges decided which pie would be the "best" considering the appearance, texture, and, of course, flavor.
Commenting on how she deals with the pressure of the contest, Szymanek states, "I worry from the moment I put the flour on the table."
After entering six pies she won two ribbons: One for her "jammin' banana cream" pie, in the sugar free and Splenda brand sweetener category and "her blueberry crumb" pie in the fruit and berry category.
Although she did not win "best of best" of show this time, she is ready for next year. "I am already working on next year's recipe," says Szymanek. "When I can't sleep at night, I think of a recipe and a name for the pie."
To find out more about the Amateur National Pie Championships, visit www.piecouncil.com.
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