By Brenda Sexton-The Courier-Herald

Plateau Pie Goddess Suzie Sidhu can add national champion to her already impressive resume.

The Buckley resident, who bakes for Cafe Panini, won the open division of the 2008 American Pie Council's Crisco National Pie Championships in Kissimmee, Fla. The winners in Sidhu's division - the professional - were judged April 20.

“I'm so glad I didn't come home empty-handed,” she said. “I wore myself out, but it was all worth it.”

It was her son's favorite, the Peanut Butterfinger Pie, that wowed the judges. Sidhu's Butterscotch Lush Pie, the one that earned her the Pie Goddess name, was the Open category judges' next favorite. It earned honorable mention.

There were eight categories in the Professional Division and Sidhu entered them all - apple, fruit and berry, Crisco classic chocolate, citrus, Crisco classic cherry, cream, nut and open. The Crisco categories require use of the product.

“I shattered the record for most pies entered,” she said.

Pies were judged on appearance, taste, overall appeal and creativity. The grand prize of $5,000 went to a Florida woman. But each categories' winner received a prize as did the eight honorable mentions.

“I may not have won the $5,000,” Sidhu said. “But I swept the Other category. I'm the Other champion.”

Sidhu's winnings are on display at Cafe Panini.

She said she had a great time and everyone was supportive to the “new girl.”

Sidhu said Food Network cameras were not far away during the competition and she's hoping to get some air time. She said she made quite an impression, feeding starving camera crews pie crust cookies.

“I had so much fun,” she said. “I want to go again. I'm already planning for it.”

Brenda Sexton can be reached at bsexton@courierherald.com.