05/02/2026
The past few weeks have been full of behind-the-scenes hustle over here at Sweetie Pies Homestead. Early mornings, late nights, and a whole lot of âjust wait, I canât say yetâ conversations. And now we can finally spill one of the topicsâŠ
Ash was selected as an official judge for the Battle for the Blue Ribbon pie contest at the State Fair of Texas.
Let me say that again, because it still doesnât feel real:A homestead bakerâŠstanding on the other side of the tableâŠjudging at the State Fair.
From baking pies for our local markets, events, and holidays to being trusted to taste, critique, and help choose the best of the bestâŠthatâs not something we take lightly. Every single pie that crossed that table carried someoneâs time, skill, family traditions, and probably a little bit of stress (because letâs be honestâpie judging is serious business đ
).
Thereâs something incredibly humbling about being part of a tradition like this. The kind of tradition where recipes are handwritten, crust techniques are debated like family politics, and everyone believes their pie could take home that blue ribbon.
And this yearâŠAsh got a front-row seat to it all.
We stayed quiet because it didnât feel like something to shout about before it happened. It felt like something to soak in, to respect, and honestlyâŠto be a little nervous about. But walking into that judging space, representing not just our homestead but every small baker out there chasing something biggerâit meant everything.
To everyone who has ever bought a pie from us, supported us, shared our posts, or believed in what weâre buildingâŠyouâre part of this moment too. You helped get us here.
Now weâre back, feet a little tired, hearts very full, and maybe just a bit more inspired than ever.
âSweetie Pies Homestead