A sweet competition with community at its core

CATSKILL―A delicious competition is returning to Catskill next Saturday, bringing together sweet treats, creative cooks and a helping of community spirit for a good cause.

Left Bank Ciders will host its third annual Apple Bake-Off on November 14, from 5 to 8 p.m., at 150 Water Street, inviting bakers of all skill levels to whip up their best apple-inspired creations while raising money to help fight food insecurity in the community.

For Left Bank Ciders co-founder Anna Rosencranz, the event is a lighthearted way to celebrate the Hudson Valley's apple harvest season, with a little friendly competition thrown into the mix.

"Three years ago, we conceived of the Apple Bake-Off as a twist on the traditional charity bake sale," Rosencranz said. "The bake-off caps off a busy apple harvest season for us and is a way to celebrate our favorite fruit and the end of fall in the Hudson Valley."

And despite its name, participants don't necessarily have to bake anything.

"The fun thing about our bake-off is that it brings together novice and avid bakers. One year I made Jell-O," Rosencranz said. "So, the term 'bake off' is a loose suggestion—all homemade apple-themed foods from savory to desserts―mostly desserts―are welcome and appreciated."

Creativity counts just as much as culinary expertise.

"We prize creativity and deliciousness above all else," Rosencranz said. "Last year a gorgeous caramel apple layer cake took the grand prize, but I always look forward to the People's Choice Award."

This year's event will also feature Pomona's Gifts, Kevin Clark's display of more than 200 beautiful and unusual apples, offering visitors a glimpse of the remarkable diversity of a fruit that has long been part of the Hudson Valley's agricultural identity.

The inaugural Apple Bake-Off raised money for the Catskill Tree Council. Last year's proceeds supported local organizations addressing hunger and food justice.

"This year donations will support food insecurity again, which is so critical as we go into the winter months,” Rosencranz said.

Left Bank Ciders, founded by Rosencranz, her husband, Tim Graham, and their friend Dave Snyder, grew out of an effort to rescue apples destined for the compost pile.

While working with a composting program at a neighborhood farmers market, Rosencranz and Graham noticed that a local orchard regularly brought bins of bruised and unsellable apples to be discarded. Realizing much of the fruit was still usable, the couple began experimenting with ways to put it to good use and eventually decided to try making hard cider.

In 2018, an opportunity arose when a friend purchased an old building in Catskill with a neglected basement. What others saw as an undesirable space, the aspiring cider makers saw as the perfect cellar.

After considerable work, the basement was transformed into the home of Left Bank Ciders.

Today, the business produces inventive, small-batch hard ciders using apples foraged from wild and abandoned trees, along with fruit from local orchards. Most ingredients come from within an hour of the cellar, where the cider is pressed, fermented and aged.

Left Bank Ciders also serves New York state beer, wine and spirits, along with a seasonal food menu.

And community fundraising has become a regular tradition at the cidery, which has raised more than $40,000 for local charities over the last four years through its Soup Night program.

Whether the Apple Bake-Off entry is a traditional family apple pie recipe, an elaborate dessert or an unconventional savory creation, Rosencranz hopes the competition will inspire people to get creative in the kitchen while helping neighbors in need.

Those interested in entering the third annual Apple Bake-Off can email leftbankciders@gmail.com. The competition is free to enter, and prizes will be awarded to the winners.