A lifelong Valley resident, 91-year-old Glenham grandmother Alice Murphy stole first prize at the Dutchess County Fair’s Pillsbury pie contest for her strawberry rhubarb pie — made with her own organically grown rhubarb. Murphy, a first-time contender, has been baking pies “for 75 years, probably first at her mother’s apron strings,” says her grandson, Michael Archer of Fishkill. In addition to strawbery rhubarb, she also makes “apple, coconut custard, chocolate cream,” Archer notes. “She loves to bake, she’s been doing it for as long as she can remember.” Murphy also grows tomatoes, green peppers, purple potatoes, and has an impressive flower and rose garden. Why organic? “The thought of putting pesticides down never occurred to her,” posits Archer. And what makes grandma’s pies so special? “A whole lot of love and experience goes into those pies.” Spoken like a true grandson.
» Try our own favorite recipes and baked goods here
