Earning a crust

Photo / Steven McNicholl

Some of the country's scrummiest pies were in Auckland yesterday so judges could decide which to crown as the best in New Zealand.

A total of 4336 pies were entered in this year's round of the Bakels NZ Supreme Pie Awards, and 21 judges did taste-tests from 7.30am to around 7.30pm. Among the 11 categories were mince and gravy, chicken and vegetable, gourmet meat, seafood and mince and cheese.

Celebrity cook Allyson Gofton, one of the judges, said she was impressed with the quality and creativity of many of the pies.

"The creativity of some of the pies that are coming through is really nice. There's a lot of spices and also in the sauces - with wine - and plenty of herbs.

"It shows that this is what New Zealanders want and that's what they're getting - being able to visit the world through a pie."

Winners will be announced at the awards dinner at the Rendezvous Hotel next Tuesday.