By DONNA KENNY KIRWAN

PAWTUCKET — Have a favorite cherry pie recipe? Whether you're a weekend baker or a professional pastry chef, the upcoming Cherry Pie Bake-Off at Slater Mill is a contest for you.

The Cherry Pie Bake-Off is part of the Rhode Island Cherry Blossom Festival scheduled for Saturday, May 1 at 9 a.m. This first time event is one of several that are designed to celebrate the beauty of almost 100 cherry trees that have been planted along Roosevelt Avenue as well as to raise money for their continued upkeep and maintenance.
Sponsored by the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council and the Pawtucket Foundation, the Cherry Blossom Festival features a traditional May breakfast, a 5K run/walk, a chocolate tasting, and a performance by a Japanese drumming group, along with the bake-off.
The events generally take place between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.
The Cherry Pie Bake-Off will award $200 in prize money to winners in two categories: professional  and amateur. The registration fee is $10.
Pies must be delivered to Slater Mill, 67 Roosevelt Ave., Pawtucket, between 8 and 10 a.m. In case of rain, pies are to be delivered to the Blackstone Valley Visitors Center across the street at 175 Main St. All pies must be in disposable pie pans or dishes.
Two categories are available:
• Professional—must be in the food business or a bakery operation. The winner will receive a gold medal, a $150 cash prize and $500 in free advertising in the Pawtucket Times.
• Amateur—open to the public; registrants must be at least 14 years old.
The pies will be judged on appearance, taste and consistency. (See criteria below). All pies will become the property of the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council upon receipt by the festival organizers.
The winners will be announced on the main stage at 12 to 12:30 p.m.
According to the event organizers, the definition of a cherry pie is a pie that consists of a mixture containing Morello or Montmorency cherries and flavorings such as star anise, cinnamon sugar or brandy often used in cherry pies. While there are cherry pie fillings available in the marketplace, it is preferred that a true recipe be created by contestants from a sour cherry category that is ideal for cherry pie development.
The judging criteria will be as follows:

10%--Sliced and plated pie—Presentation

. Basic eye appeal—To what extent does the whole pie entice you to want to try it? Is the plating unique to the pie?

. After slicing—A single slice unveils the looks and consistency of the filling and the crust. Pies should have generous, well distributed fruit as well as great color and definition. The serving ability of the pie will also be considered. Does the pie hold together? Does the filling hold up?

20%--Mouthfeel and texture—Crust and filling

. Crust and filling: Judges will evaluate two components of the pie, individually and then as a combined entity. These two components are the crust and the filling. Judges will evaluate aspects of the crust first, then the filling. The following are the basic criteria:

. Flavor: Nice aroma—Pleasant uniform flavor. All ingredients are in balance and enhance the overall flavor of the cherries as well as being in balance with the crust and enhancers/spices in the pie.

. Mouth feel: Smooth uniform liquids, moderately viscous, with no chalky, gritty, or pasty textures.  Fruit should be generous and shine throughout the eating experience of the pie.

. Crust consistency: Flaky flavorful crust with a simple level of sweetness that will complement the eating experience of the pie both in flavor and overall texture, not soft or under baked but just right with no sogginess.

70%--Overall Flavor and Taste

The last chance to judge the pie's culinary overall integrity is the final flavor which constitutes all of the combined characteristics listed above. What makes a great tasting pie? Simply the balance of sweetness and tartness of the fruit and how the baker balances these two major components with the enhancement and use of sugar and flavorings.

Use your creativity and create a great-looking and tasting pie. Remember, the cherry is the star ingredient and your pie will be judged on how you bring its qualities out in your pie.

For more information, see contest rules online at: RIcherryblossomfestival.com
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