PIE IN THE SKY
A feverish rush on pie-making machines has left shoppers scrambling to find stock
SO many people want their slice of electric pie makers that the craze has the internet in meltdown as hungry wanna-be pastry chefs hunt for the appliances.
Demand has resulted in Gold Coast Kmart stores selling out of the product and removing the appliances from the list of available items on their website.
Without a date for when the pie makers will be restocked, fans have turned to social media to share where and when the sought-after kitchen appliances are available.
Kmart Pie Makers Recipes Australia has been sharing recipes on a dedicated Facebook page, generating an intense obsession among the ranks of pie eaters.
And in the world of homecooked treats, the humble meat pie has been taking a back seat to recipes for doughnuts, chimichangas, Mars Bar pies, tarts and more.
Hope Island pie maker enthusiast Natasha Bull, 29, saw a post on social media and wondered what all the fuss was about, before the trend took off fast.
“It’s quick and easy to use,” she said.
“I’ve made pies, muffins, doughnuts, eggs, apple pies, chimichangas, spinach and feta parcels, left-over dinner pies, plus heaps more,” said Ms Bull.
“My go-to dish is my chunky steak, cheese and bacon pie.”
Ms Bull urged shoppers to do some research before jumping in the car because many stores had sold out.
Another pie-making enthusiast, Julia Fing, 31, from Burleigh Waters, also heard about the trend on Facebook.
With two kids, Lucy, 4, Cooper, 2, and husband Mitch, the mum has made breakfast quiches, chicken and leek pies and delicious pulled-pork pies for her family.
“I follow some Kmart pages (on Facebook) and it was being talked about a lot. I bought my pie maker about four weeks ago,” she said.
“My go-to recipe is for chicken, leek, bacon and mushroom pies. They’re always a winner.
“I think the craze has taken off because it is a simple meal idea. It appeals to all budgets.
“The weirdest recipe idea I have seen is probably fried rice pies – literally fried rice then cooked with a pastry base and top.”
The versatility of the pie maker is what appeals to mums and all pie-lovers.
“It can create meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It doesn’t only cook pies. It’s also good for muffins, doughnuts, scones, eggs and quiches. The small size of the pies is perfect for kids as well,” said Mrs Fing.