A Pie Fest at Stissing House

November 19, 2025

I hope you saw the photos on my Instagram page @marthastewart48 - three amateur bakers are now winners of the first-ever Stissing House - Substack Pie Fest!

Stissing House, owned by chef Clare de Boer, is a charming country restaurant in the historic town of Pine Plains, New York in Duchess County. Last weekend, 33-bakers from around the region competed in the event for "best pie" and a spot on the restaurant's dessert menu. I was one of 14-judges. We were given one hour to taste the pies and then 30-minutes to decide the winners. After lots of deliberation, sometimes quite intense, there was sweet success - the top three pies were selected. Third place went to a #24, a Dutch Apple Pie. Second place was #19, a Shaker Lemon Pie, and First Place was #33, the Salted Maple Bourbon Pie. It was fun and filling!

Here are some photos, enjoy.

: Here I am at the “pie table.” I knew there would be a lot of pies, but I never thought there would be 33 to judge. Good thing I did not eat a big breakfast!

: The décor at Stissing House was very fitting for the season – autumn leaves, pumpkins, and bales of hay on a giant table. (Photo by Olya Vysotskaya)

: For the competition, the pies were displayed around the bales. 27 hay bales were ordered from a local farm for the centerpiece. (Photo by Olya Vysotskaya)

: And then all the judges were given their task. We were told to taste every pie within one hour. (Photo by Olya Vysotskaya)

: I attended the event with friends Christopher Spitzmiller and Danielle Vadai. They both walked around with me as I carefully tasted and reviewed every submission. (Photo by Olya Vysotskaya)

: I made very detailed notes on each pie as I walked around. Christopher and Danielle were in charge of my forks. All the aprons were personalized by Ben Lewellyn. (Photo by Olya Vysotskaya)

: It was exciting for all those involved. Stissing House and Substack also co-published a community cookbook including all the recipes of the pies entered in the pie fest.

: Among the pies there were decorative pies…

: Crumbles…

: And traditional lattice tops.

: This Paddington Station Pecan Pie had a tasty filing.

: And this Salted Rosemary Apple Pie had a good crust.

: As time progressed and the tasting forks pile grew, so did the suspense.

: Every pie was down to crumbs by the time all were tasted. (Photo by Olya Vysotskaya)

: And then deliberations began. Seven of us selected the three champion pies. The other seven judged other superlative entries. (Photo by Olya Vysotskaya)

: I was then asked to present the winners. (Photo by Olya Vysotskaya)

: It was a full room and everyone listened intently. (Photo by Olya Vysotskaya)

: Third place went to the youngest contestant, Rosie, just seven years old, with pie #24. Her Dutch Apple Pie was excellent. My comments included: classic, great apple texture, and delicious chunky crumb topping.

: Second place went to pie #19, which was baked by Lauren Hildreth. She made a spectacular Shaker Lemon Pie. The pie was elegant and lemon-perfect. I thought it also had an excellent crust.

: I asked for a drum roll to announce first place. The Pie Fest Champion Pie was #33, a Salted Maple Bourbon Pie made by Nikki Freihofer. It was a delightful, comforting and delicious pie with the perfect balance of salty and sweet. The crust was great and so was the maple flavor.