All amateur bakers are encouraged to submit their best pie to be judged by local dignitaries, business owners and residents. The panel includes Deputy Mayor Jackie Benjamin Lieberberg, professional pastry chef Michelle Retik from Squirrel and the Bee, real estate agent Joanna Parker-Lentz of The Jodi & Joanna Group and Eva Lesko Natiello, author of “The Memory Box.” Pies will be judged on three categories: crust, filling, and appearance. Extra consideration will be given to pies inspired by a literary work.
Prior to judging, Eva Lesko Natiello will read from her novel, talk about the symbolism of pies in literature, and sign copies of her best selling book. To preorder “The Memory Box,” email The Book House at thebookhousemillburn@gmail.com
"A pie is not just a pie. At least not in literature,” says Eva Lesko Natiello. “With all its possible fillings, crusts, smells and tastes, the pie in your favorite book may not be dessert, alone. It's often a literary device symbolizing a theme, like resilience or hope. It's interesting to see when pie is used as a foil for darker messages of greed or revenge, which we don't notice until it's too late!"
The event is free to the public but registration is required to enter the contest. To register and review contest rules, go to https://tinyurl.com/PieContestFeb24 For a list of suggested books with pies, visit the event page on the The Book House’s website.
“Pies in Literature” is the first pie contest in Millburn in almost a decade. The event is part of the Book to Plate Series started by Farm & Fork Society at The Book House. Book to Plate is a monthly series that brings you amazing food, authors, and books, all in one place. Join the company of like-minded friends who value the health of their body, mind, and environment. Past Book to Plate events include “The Farm Cooking School Cookbook: A Case for Seasonal Eating,” “Clean Cocktails: Righteous Recipes for the Modern Mixologist,” “Sweet Survival: Tales of Cooking & Coping,” “Naturally Sweet Food in Jars,” and “Food in The City.”
REGISTER FOR PIE CONTEST HERE!
Great prizes!