Apple-Scrapple Festival announces baking contest winners

It was hard to tell if the judges had more fun tasting the entries or debating their merit, but one thing’s for sure … there was no shortage of smiles, laughter and “Yummy!” remarks.

The winners in each of the three baking contest categories were announced as the Apple-Scrapple Festival kicked off its 21st year Oct. 12, celebrating the two legendary Delaware institutions that call Bridgeville home: the apples and scrapple that come from there.

Judges included Charlie Smith representing TS Smith, Patricia Correll representing the Town of Bridgeville and Rita Hovermale, who also served as head judge by relying on her expertise as the Delaware Department of Education’s education associate overseeing Family and Consumer Sciences. Jenna Beard, marketing administrator for Southern Delaware Tourism, drew on her experience knowing and promoting Sussex County’s festivals, restaurants and venues as well as her role as food blogger, Jenna Laughs, for judging the aromatic, creative and tasteful entries. Rounding out the panel was Charles Paparella of WBOC’s "Travels with Charlie" fame. His experience traveling Delmarva and reporting on its well-kept secrets has taken him to some of the finest and least-known places for the best local cuisine.

Entries were placed in one of three categories: Teen (10-17), Adult and Professional. In each of those categories, three winners were possible, earning cash prizes and bragging rights as an Apple-Scrapple Baking Contest winner for the year to follow.

Entries had to use fresh apples, and the recipe had to be submitted so winning recipes could be shared with the public to encourage cooking at home. Entries in the professional category only had to share an ingredient list. Recipes will be made available to the public beginning in November through the TS Smith farm market in advance of the holiday season and the farm’s Holiday Open House to be held Saturday, Dec. 1.

In the Teen Category, Garrett Briggs’ Ricotta Apple Pie took first place. Briggs, of Greenwood, is only 10, but was able to wow the judges with an entry they felt would have given the adult competitors a run for their money.

In the Professional Category, first place went to the Tilghman Island Country Store’s Apple Walnut Muffins, with second place going to Abbott's Grill for Pastry Chef Andrew Hooven’s Apple Cranberry Cobbler.

In the Adult Category, entrants relied on family traditions as well as good hunches to know what to enter. First place was awarded to Lia Workman from Millsboro for her Apple Cinnamon Cheesecake. Although presentation was not a scored component of the competition, Workman’s entry was remarkable for its color and creativity. Mom Mom’s Apple Dumplings was submitted by Jean Stokesbury of Seaford and captured second place. Stokesbury was first-place winner in last year’s competition. She said last year was the first time she had entered, and this year, her daughter insisted she enter again.

“She told me that I had to enter them again because the family loved them so much,” said Workman.  Third place went to Terri Carr from Lewes, who used her aunt’s Apple Pound Cake recipe to secure a winning prize. Carr said it was a family favorite and part of the family’s autumn traditions. All three entrants hope to return for competition next year.

Aspiring bakers are encouraged to enter next year’s contest. Entry forms and rules will be available beginning in September 2013.

For those who want to pick their own apples and pumpkins to bake with, the farm will offer you-pick Fuji apples, pumpkins and gourds Saturday and Sunday. Look for signs one-half mile east of Route 13 on Redden Road in Bridgeville. Always call ahead if weather is questionable.

More information about the contest, you-pick and the farm is available from TS Smith & Sons at 302-337-8271, email marketing@tssmithandsons.com or go to www.tssmithandsons.com or stop by the farm market.