Pull out those favorite baking recipes and get ready for the second annual “Giant” Cooking Contest Saturday at Martin’s in Connellsville.

The baking contest will determine who makes the tastiest apple and pumpkin pies in the area.

The event, sponsored by Nancy’s Fancy Tea Room and hosted by Martin’s, was launched last year by tea room owner Nancy Koller.

Koller, who also bakes wedding cakes, uses Giant products, which is the store brand for many items sold at Martin’s. That inspired her idea for the contest last year. When she approached store management, they readily agreed since they wanted to become involved in the community. Since last year’s event was such a success, they decided to have it again this year.

“It was the first time that we had a community event, and everyone had a great time,” said Peter Tranchita, Martin’s assistant manager. “We had over 40 participants who came out for the event.”

Last year, the contest featured six different cooking categories, and although there was community interest in the event’s diversity, the organizers pared down the categories to add focus to this year’s contest.

“It’s right before the holidays and we felt that a pie-baking contest would be a good idea this time,” Koller said. “People can make their favorite pie or bring out that favorite family recipe.”

The contest will be divided into the two categories — apple pie and pumpkin pie. Local judges will rate the pies on taste, presentation and originality. All pies must be fully prepared off site, ready for judging at 9 a.m., and must be accompanied with the recipe.

Also, all entries must be prepared with at least 50 percent of Giant Brand products and must be portioned to accommodate at least six judges. Children’s entries are welcome, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

Only one entry will be accepted per person.

“With the economy being the way that it is, people are turning more to the store name items than to the brand name items that they can no longer afford,” Tranchita said. “What they are also finding is that not only are the Giant products less expensive to purchase, they taste just as good as the others.

“All of our Giant products are made by national brand companies, but they are offered at a tremendous savings for our customers,” Tranchita added.

Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place. The winner will receive a $50 gas or gift card. Second place will get a $25 gas or gift card; and third place, a $20 gift card.

There is no pre-registration, but all entrants must fill out a form that includes the pie’s recipe.

Forms can be obtained at Martin’s before the contest or the morning of the event.

“We had a great time last year and we are hoping that this year will be just as good if not better,” Tranchita said.

Koller and Martin’s will be sponsoring a kids’ Christmas Treat Workshop, which will feature cookie decorating, cupcakes and child-friendly recipes. That event will be held from 9 to 10 a.m. Nov. 22 at Martin’s.

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