The Best 4th of July EVER!!!

I was totally wiped Sunday due to the festivities on Saturday.

I spent most of the morning baking. Baking my pie for the Maple Valley 4th of July Pie Baking Contest. For some reason, my heart goes pitter pat when I hear about baking contests, bake sales or cookbooks. When I heard that you could win a gift certificate to one of our local merchants, I was in. So, as I said before, I spent the morning pouring my heart and soul into my favorite (my Mom's) blackberry pie. I ask for this pie every year on my birthday.

At 3:00 our cul-de-sac began its traditional Bike Parade. Bikes and scooters were decorated and then the procession of 14 children began. Around and around the street they went, showing off the colors of this great country we live in.

Unfortunately and predictably, all three of our children gave up within minutes and went inside for more interesting things. Indy didn't even make it 10 feet before he threw his scooter to the ground for who knows what reason. I still don't know. That sure was fun. ;)

We fired up our BBQ at 4:30 to get ribs, chicken and corn grilling and with the potluck food from all the neighbors, we sat down for a quick feast. I had to have the pie to the park by 6:00. We loaded up the kids and headed for the park. Watching the 3-legged races, catching candy from the candy cannon and wading in the lake were the activities we enjoyed while we waiting for the pie contest results. I wanted to stay and see what pies won so I could be prepared for the future. (They never did announce what kinds of pies were the winners.)

I knew as soon as the kids got wet, they would be crying to go home so when we found out the results wouldn't be announced for another 30 minutes, I told Rob to take the kids home and I would call him when it was over. I wanted him to stay so he could be there if I won but when reality set in that he would stay just to see me lose, I told him not to worry about it.

There were 24 pies total. They started to announce the winners of the 17 years old and under category. Then they moved onto the adults ages 18-49. They announced 3rd place and then during the 2nd place announcement, I got up and started walking away knowing my chances were now next to nothing. I walked behind the stage to go get my pie so I could take it home and I hear "First Place goes to Rachelle Atwood." Outloud I said "What?" in disbelief. I rounded the stage and came jumping up saying "I won!" I was a total crazy lady but I was so surprised that I didn't care. And, there wasn't a single person in the crowd that cared. :( So there you have it people. I won first place with my Fresh Blackberry Pie! I get to have my recipe featured in the local paper, I get a gift certificate to a local merchant and I got my blue ribbon.

Rob had already left the house to come get me so when I saw him in the parking lot, I waved my ribbon and he let out a long blast of honks with the car horn. He was so proud. I enjoyed telling all my neighbors when I got home and I couldn't wipe the smile off my face. Everyone, including me, got to taste a sample of the famous pie.

The night only got better when our neighbor in our cul-de-sac set off the fireworks show to end all shows. It is a tradition every year that he buys A LOT of amazing and I am sure, illegal, fireworks. Those fireworks went from 3:15 that afternoon until 11:00pm that night. I have never seen anything like it in my whole life. It rivaled your stadium shows only this was right above our heads. We actually had falling debree constantly and it would actually "rain" after a show ended. Everything was covered in layer of paper and wood chips. There were even smoldering chunks in our driveway that would dent a car. Completely incredible. The kids actually got bored since it lasted so long.

It was an exhausting day but worth every minute.

Here is the recipe:

FRESH BLACKBERRY PIE

DOUBLE CRUST:
4 cups flour
1 cup oil
½ cup milk
1 teaspoon salt
Combine all ingredients and mix. Add a little extra oil until the dough is soft. Roll half the dough between wax paper and place in 8-9” pie pan.

FILLING:

1 ¼ cups sugar
¼ cup flour
1/8 teaspoon salt
4 cups fresh blackberries*

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine sugar, flour and salt. Add blackberries, tossing to coat. Pour berry mixture into pastry shell. Top with second crust. Cut slits in top crust. Place on top of filling. Seal edges. Cover edges of pie with foil to avoid over-browning. Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes. Remove foil; bake for 25-30 minutes longer or until golden brown. Cool on rack and/or serve warm with ice cream.

*(You can measure out 4 cups of frozen berries and then let them thaw. Just add an additional 2 Tablespoons of flour to the berries.)