Pie Bake-Off takes off in Geneva

Internationally acclaimed pastry chef Alain Roby will be joining pastry chef extraordinaire Gale Gand and Daily Herald food editor Deborah Pankey, as a judge in the annual AID Pie Bake-Off Competition which will be held on Sunday, June 12, at the Geneva French Market in Geneva.

Roby, a Certified Master of Pastry and Sugar Artistry, has won more than 20 culinary awards and runs Chef Alain Roby's All-Chocolate Kitchen in Geneva. Gand, who was the host of Food Network's “Sweet Dreams,” also will be on hand to sign copies of her books.

First-place prize is $150 and a lifetime membership to the American Pie Council. Second- and third-place prizes include a gift basket from the Spice House in Geneva, Bread for a Year certificate from Panera Bread, and gift certificates from other area merchants.

Pies will be judged on the following criteria: overall appearance, crust color, flavor, texture, filling consistency, doneness and originality. Downtown Geneva's French Market, at South and Fourth streets, provides a wonderful setting for this event. Pies can be dropped off between 11 a.m. and noon with judging beginning promptly at noon.

There is a $10 entry fee per pie submitted and participants are asked to preregister for the competition by noon Friday, June 10.

To register for the competition or for more information contact Wendy Bialek at (847) 931-2294 or wbialek@the-association.org or visit the-association.org.

For 50 years, the Association for Individual Development has provided services to individuals who have developmental, physical and/or mental disabilities, those who have suffered a trauma or those at risk. All clients have access to vital, life enriching services through early intervention; developmental therapy; respite care; permanent, affordable housing; developmental and vocational training; job placement and on-the-job coaching services; crisis intervention; victims services; mental health treatment; behavioral intervention; community education and advocacy.