Folks like to look past the Midwest. We’re just flyover country to much of the rest of the US. But Wisconsinites know that life here is actually pretty awesome. The people are nice, the food is great and life here is pretty great. That’s what it seems rather appropriate that something as down home and quintessential as the best apple pie in American was made by one of our own.

The American Pie Council sponsors a National Pie Championship every year and it’s every bit as delicious looking as it sounds.

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Amateurs and professionals compete in at least 15 different categories each year. The top three pies in each category are given ribbons and the best in each category competes for overall best in show.

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Beth Campbell of Belleville made the championships apple pie this year - though she’s no stranger to winning. Her apple bourbon bacon pie took the top spot in the most American of pie categories.

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She also took second place in the citrus category with her Key lime berry go round pie. In 2016, her cherry pie took third place in that category and her white lace cherry pistachio pie took third in the nut category.

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Beth has won more ribbons at the National Pie Championships than she can even remember.

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By our count, she has at least 12 ribbons over the past six years. She’s had such fun at the event that it’s become a family affair - her husband now enters.

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But Beth isn’t the only Wisconsin baker making their mark at the National Pie Championships. David Harper, of Lone Rock, is another stalwart on the Pie Championship leaderboard.

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This year he took third in both the apple and blueberry categories and placed second in three other categories. Over the past five years, he’s received 25 ribbons for his pies - meaning he’s placed in the top three.

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The Pie Championships are a chance for those who love the time-honored dessert to gather among friends, teach, learn and compete.

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Not only do we get to be proud to be home to the best apple pie in the country, but all the winning pie recipes are available on the American Pie Council website, so we can try to recreate Beth’s amazing recipe at home. Check out her winner as well as some past ribbon-winning recipes from both her and David:

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Beth’s Apple Bourbon Bacon Pie

David’s Apple-Scotch Pie

Beth’s Berry Go Round Key Lime Pie

David’s Hixton I-94 Blueberry Cloud Pie

Beth’s That’s My Cherry Pie

David’s Berry Raspberry Lemon Bounce Pie

Beth’s White Lace Cherry Pistachio Pie

David’s The Hostess With the Mostest Pie

Have you ever tried any of the National Pie Championship recipes? How do you feel about cheddar cheese on your apple pie? Tell us about it in the comments!

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